If two sides of a triangle are 6 and 13, respectively, which of the following could NOT be the area of this triangle? Choose the correct choice.
A) 40 B) 6 C) 17 D) 29 E) 38

Rationale: for this question it would be helpful to know the largest area that this triangle could be , given the two sides of 6 and 12 . we know that the area of a triangle will be maximized when two sides are perpendicular to each other ( consult bunuel ' s drawing above ) . thus we have a max area being equal to one half the base times the height , either ( . 5 ) 13 * 6 - or - ( . 5 ) 6 * 13 will result in a maximum area of 39 for the triangle ; therefore , the triangle could never have an area of 40 . a
Answer: A