Area of Path Surrounding a Triangle

A triangular plot of land has sides measuring 12 feet, 16 feet, and 20 feet. A fence is to be built around the plot, and a path of width 2 feet will surround the fence. What will be the total area of the path?

To calculate the area of the path, first find the area of the triangle using Heron's formula: if the sides of the triangle are of lengths $a$, $b$, and $c$, the semi-perimeter $s$ is given by $s = \frac{a + b + c}{2}$. The area $A$ of the triangle can then be found using: $A = \sqrt{s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)}$.