Calculate Trapezoid Area: Finding Area with Height 4 and Parallel Sides 6.5 and 10

What is the area of the trapezoid in the figure?

To solve this problem, we'll compute the area of the trapezoid using the given dimensions and the area formula:

• Step 1: Identify the given dimensions:
• Base $b_1 = 10$ cm
• Base $b_2 = 6.5$ cm
• Height $h = 4$ cm
• Step 2: Use the trapezoid area formula:

The formula for the area of a trapezoid is $A = \frac{1}{2}(b_1 + b_2)h$.

• Step 3: Substitute the given values into the formula:

$A = \frac{1}{2}(10 + 6.5) \times 4$

• Step 4: Calculate the area:

First, calculate the sum of the bases: $10 + 6.5 = 16.5$.

Next, multiply by the height: $16.5 \times 4 = 66$.

Finally, divide by 2 to get the area: $\frac{66}{2} = 33$ cm².

Therefore, the area of the trapezoid is $33$ cm².