Calculate Isosceles Trapezoid Perimeter: Parallel Sides 10 and 12, Equal Sides 6

Q: What makes this trapezoid isosceles?

An isosceles trapezoid has two parallel sides (called bases) and two equal non-parallel sides (called legs). In this problem, both legs equal 6, making it isosceles.

Q: Do I need to use any special formulas?

No special formulas needed! Perimeter is simply the sum of all sides. Just add: leg + leg + shorter base + longer base.

Q: Why are the legs both 6 if only one is labeled?

In an isosceles trapezoid, the two legs are always equal by definition. Since one leg is labeled as 6, the other leg must also be 6.

Q: What if I mixed up which sides are parallel?

The parallel sides are the horizontal ones (10 and 12), while the legs are the slanted sides (both 6). For perimeter, the order doesn't matter - just add all four!

Q: How can I check my perimeter calculation?

Add the sides in a different order: $ 10 + 12 + 6 + 6 = 22 + 12 = 34 $. If you get the same answer, you're correct!

Trapezoid Perimeter with Equal Legs

Given an isosceles trapezoid, calculate its perimeter

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Understand the problem

Given an isosceles trapezoid, calculate its perimeter

Step-by-step solution

Since this is an isosceles trapezoid, and the two legs are equal, we can state that:

$AB=CD=6$

Now let's add all the sides together to find the perimeter

$6+6+10+12=$

$12+22=34$

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Definition: Isosceles trapezoid has two parallel sides and equal legs
Method: Add all four sides: 6 + 6 + 10 + 12 = 34
Check: Verify equal legs are both 6 and sum gives 34 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to add all four sides
Don't just add the parallel sides 10 + 12 = 22! This ignores the legs completely and gives an incomplete perimeter. Always add all four sides of the trapezoid: both legs plus both parallel sides.

Practice Quiz

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Given the trapezoid:

What is the area?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What makes this trapezoid isosceles?

An isosceles trapezoid has two parallel sides (called bases) and two equal non-parallel sides (called legs). In this problem, both legs equal 6, making it isosceles.

Do I need to use any special formulas?

No special formulas needed! Perimeter is simply the sum of all sides. Just add: leg + leg + shorter base + longer base.

Why are the legs both 6 if only one is labeled?

In an isosceles trapezoid, the two legs are always equal by definition. Since one leg is labeled as 6, the other leg must also be 6.

What if I mixed up which sides are parallel?

The parallel sides are the horizontal ones (10 and 12), while the legs are the slanted sides (both 6). For perimeter, the order doesn't matter - just add all four!

How can I check my perimeter calculation?

Add the sides in a different order: $10 + 12 + 6 + 6 = 22 + 12 = 34$ . If you get the same answer, you're correct!

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