What is the area of the trapezoid in the figure?
We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium
What is the area of the trapezoid in the figure?
The area of a trapezoid is calculated using the formula:
Given:
Plug these values into the formula:
Calculate the sum of the bases:
Multiply by the height and divide by 2:
square units
Therefore, the area of the trapezoid is cm².
cm².
Given the following trapezoid:
Calculate the area of the trapezoid ABCD.
The trapezoid formula comes from averaging the two parallel bases! Think of it as: (average of bases) × height. Since , then 9 × 4 = 36.
The parallel sides are always the bases! In this figure, AB (length 12) and CD (length 6) are parallel to each other, so these are your two bases.
The formula works the same way! The height is always perpendicular to the parallel bases, no matter how the trapezoid is oriented on the page.
Yes! A rectangle is a special trapezoid where both bases are equal length. If base₁ = base₂ = 8, then Area = ½ × (8 + 8) × height = 8 × height.
Since we're measuring area, always use square units like cm², m², or units². The problem shows lengths in units, so the area is 36 square units.
Get unlimited access to all 18 Trapeze questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.
Unlimited Video Solutions
Step-by-step explanations for every problem
Progress Analytics
Track your mastery across all topics
Ad-Free Learning
Focus on math without distractions
No credit card required • Cancel anytime