Calculate Side Length DC in a Parallelogram with Area 70 cm²

Parallelogram Area with Height Relationship

Look at the parallelogram in the figure.

Its area is equal to 70 cm².

Calculate DC.

555AAABBBCCCDDDEEE

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find DC
00:03 We'll use the formula for calculating the area of a parallelogram
00:06 Side(DC) multiplied by height (AE)
00:19 We'll substitute appropriate values and solve for DC
00:40 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Look at the parallelogram in the figure.

Its area is equal to 70 cm².

Calculate DC.

555AAABBBCCCDDDEEE

2

Step-by-step solution

The formula for the area of a parallelogram:

Height * The side to which the height descends.

We replace in the formula all the known data, including the area:

5*DC = 70

We divide by 5:

DC = 70/5 = 14

And that's how we reveal the unknown!

3

Final Answer

14 14 cm

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Area Formula: Area of parallelogram equals base times height
  • Technique: Set up equation: 5×DC=70 5 \times DC = 70
  • Check: Verify solution: 5×14=70 5 \times 14 = 70 cm² ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing which side is the base and which is the height
    Don't assume the labeled side is always the base = wrong calculation! The height must be perpendicular to the base you choose. Always identify the height line (marked as 5) and the side it's perpendicular to (DC).

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Calculate the area of the parallelogram according to the data in the diagram.

101010777AAABBBCCCDDDEEE

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I know which side is the base and which is the height?

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The height is always the perpendicular distance between parallel sides. In this diagram, the line marked '5' shows the height from side AD to side DC. The base is the side the height connects to perpendicularly.

Can I use a different side as the base?

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Yes! You could use side AB as the base, but then you'd need the perpendicular height to AB. Since we're given the height to DC (which is 5), it's easier to use DC as the base.

Why do we divide 70 by 5?

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Because we set up the equation 5×DC=70 5 \times DC = 70 . To solve for DC, we need to isolate it by dividing both sides by 5: DC=705=14 DC = \frac{70}{5} = 14

What if I get a decimal answer?

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That's perfectly normal! Parallelogram side lengths can be decimals. Just make sure to check your arithmetic and verify by multiplying back: height × base should equal the given area.

Is this the same formula as for rectangles?

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Yes! A rectangle is a special type of parallelogram where all angles are 90°. The area formula base × height works for all parallelograms, including rectangles and squares.

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