Calculate Parallelogram Area: 90° Perpendicular Height and 40-Unit Side

Parallelogram Area with Insufficient Information

ABCD is a parallelogram.

AD = 40
FE = 90

Angle AFE = 90°

404040909090AAABBBCCCDDDFFFEEE

What is the area of the parallelogram?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:13 Let's find the area of this parallelogram.
00:18 Remember, we use the formula: height times the base. Nice and simple!
00:28 First, we'll draw the height inside the parallelogram.
00:36 See, EF is not the height. It must start from a vertex.
00:46 Without the height, we can't find the area.
00:49 And that's how we solve this problem. Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

ABCD is a parallelogram.

AD = 40
FE = 90

Angle AFE = 90°

404040909090AAABBBCCCDDDFFFEEE

What is the area of the parallelogram?

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we analyze the given data:

  • The parallelogram ABCDABCD is defined, where side AD=40AD = 40.
  • A perpendicular segment FEFE of length 90 is given, with the angle AFE=90\angle AFE = 90^\circ.

Commonly, the area of a parallelogram is calculated using the formula: Area = Base ×\times Height. However, the problem lacks definition of what constitutes the height directly applicable to either base ADAD or any other base in the parallelogram's configuration.

The segment FEFE is noted, but it is unclear whether it functions as a height properly aligned perpendicular to a base of relevancy within the parallelogram ABCDABCD, given this configuration.

Therefore, without additional context establishing the height using these segments and the position of EE and FF, the problem cannot calculate a definitive area for the parallelogram.

Based on problem statement challenges and insufficient guidelines explicitly establishing perpendicular relationships that function for the area calculations, the problem is designated unresolved for a clear-area determination.

Therefore, the correct conclusion in such an indeterminate case is: Cannot be solved.

3

Final Answer

Cannot be solved.

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Area Formula: Parallelogram area requires base times perpendicular height
  • Height Definition: Must be perpendicular distance between parallel sides
  • Check Information: Verify all measurements relate to parallelogram structure ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Using any perpendicular segment as height
    Don't assume segment FE = 90 is the height just because angle AFE = 90°! This segment may not be perpendicular to any base of the parallelogram ABCD. Always verify the perpendicular segment connects to the correct parallel sides of the parallelogram.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

A parallelogram has a length equal to 6 cm and a height equal to 4.5 cm.

Calculate the area of the parallelogram.

6664.54.54.5

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just multiply 40 × 90 to get the area?

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The area formula is base × height, but the height must be the perpendicular distance between parallel sides. We don't know if segment FE serves as the actual height of parallelogram ABCD.

What does it mean when angle AFE = 90°?

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This tells us that segment FE is perpendicular to something at point F, but we need to know what it's perpendicular to and whether that relates to the parallelogram's sides.

How do I know if a problem has enough information?

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For parallelogram area, you need: (1) length of one side and (2) perpendicular height to that side. Check if both pieces clearly relate to the same parallelogram.

What should I do when information seems insufficient?

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Don't guess! Carefully analyze what each measurement represents. If you can't establish a clear base-height relationship for the parallelogram, the problem may be unsolvable with given information.

Could points F and E be on the sides of the parallelogram?

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The diagram shows F and E as separate points, but their exact relationship to parallelogram ABCD isn't clearly defined. Without this clarity, we cannot determine if FE represents the needed height.

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