Calculate Trapezoid Area: Shape with Bases 5 and 8 Units, Height 3 Units

To solve this problem, we'll calculate the area of the trapezoid using the standard formula:

• Step 1: Identify the given dimensions:
• Shorter base $b_1 = 5$.
• Longer base $b_2 = 8$.
• Height $h = 3$.

Step 2: We apply the trapezoid area formula, which is:

$A = \frac{1}{2} \times (b_1 + b_2) \times h$.

Step 3: Substitute the given values into the formula:

$A = \frac{1}{2} \times (5 + 8) \times 3$.

Step 4: Perform the calculations:

$A = \frac{1}{2} \times 13 \times 3$.

$A = \frac{1}{2} \times 39$.

$A = 19.5$ or $19 \frac{1}{2}$.

The area of the trapezoid is $19 \frac{1}{2}$.