To find the area of an equilateral triangle, we can use the formula for the area of a triangle, which is:
\[ \text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height} \]
In this case, the base of the equilateral triangle is given as 10 inches, and the height is given as 7 inches. Plugging these values into the formula, we get:
\[ \text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times 10 \times 7 = \frac{1}{2} \times 70 = 35 \text{ square inches} \]
Therefore, the correct answer is C) 35 sq. in.
Explanation for each option:
A) 44 sq. in. - Incorrect. This does not match the calculated area using the given base and height.
B) 20 sq. in. - Incorrect. This is not the result of the area calculation.
C) 35 sq. in. - Correct. This matches the calculated area using the formula.
D) 70 sq. in. - Incorrect. This would be the result if the area formula was not divided by 2.
In summary, the area of the equilateral triangle is 35 square inches.