how should I get root folder path in jsp page

Question

I want to retrieve root path of webapplication, then I want to append link to root path. I tried request.context but it returns "http://localhost:8080/webapp/web-inf".

For example my root folder path is

path  =  http://localhost:8080/webapp/

and I want to append remaining link to this path

helpPath= /help/page/help.htm


<a  href="${path} + ${helpPath}" target="_blank">name</a>

Any help or pointer really appreciated.