Calculate Trapezoid Perimeter: Finding the Sum of 2.5, 10.4, 5.3, and 6 Units

Perimeter Calculations with Decimal Measurements

Look at the trapezoid in the figure.

Calculate its perimeter.

2.52.52.510.410.410.45.35.35.3666

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Calculate the perimeter of the trapezoid
00:03 The perimeter of the trapezoid equals the sum of its sides
00:21 Let's substitute appropriate values and solve to find the perimeter
00:45 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Look at the trapezoid in the figure.

Calculate its perimeter.

2.52.52.510.410.410.45.35.35.3666

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify all given side lengths of the trapezoid.
  • Step 2: Apply the formula for the perimeter of the trapezoid.
  • Step 3: Sum up the lengths to find the perimeter.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The problem gives us the lengths of the trapezoid's sides:
- AB=2.5 AB = 2.5
- BC=10.4 BC = 10.4
- CD=5.3 CD = 5.3
- DA=6 DA = 6

Step 2: We use the formula for the perimeter of a trapezoid:

P=AB+BC+CD+DA P = AB + BC + CD + DA

Step 3: Plugging in the given values, we calculate:

P=2.5+10.4+5.3+6 P = 2.5 + 10.4 + 5.3 + 6

Calculating further, we have:

P=24.2 P = 24.2

Therefore, the perimeter of the trapezoid is 24.2 24.2 .

3

Final Answer

24.2

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Definition: Perimeter is the sum of all side lengths
  • Technique: Add each side: 2.5 + 10.4 + 5.3 + 6 = 24.2
  • Check: Count all four sides and verify decimal alignment โœ“

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to include all four sides
    Don't add only the parallel sides or skip one side = incomplete perimeter! This gives you only part of the distance around the shape. Always identify and add all four sides of the trapezoid.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Given the trapezoid:

999121212555AAABBBCCCDDDEEE

What is the area?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I need to add all four sides for a trapezoid?

+

A trapezoid has four sides, just like any quadrilateral! The perimeter is the total distance around the entire shape, so you must include every side to get the complete measurement.

How do I line up decimal numbers when adding?

+

Always align the decimal points vertically when adding. This ensures you're adding tenths to tenths, ones to ones, etc. For example:
2.5
10.4
5.3
+ 6.0
----
24.2

What if one side length is a whole number like 6?

+

Treat whole numbers as decimals with zero in the tenths place! So 6 becomes 6.0 when adding with other decimal numbers. This makes alignment easier.

Does the order of adding the sides matter?

+

No! Addition is commutative, so you can add the sides in any order. However, it's good practice to go around the shape systematically to avoid missing any sides.

How can I check if my perimeter is reasonable?

+

Look at your answer compared to the individual sides. The perimeter should be larger than any single side but not wildly different from what you'd expect by roughly adding them in your head.

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