Calculate Trapezoid Perimeter: Finding Total Length of 7.5, 4, 1.5, and 3 Units

Trapezoid Perimeter with Four Given Sides

What is the perimeter of the trapezoid in the figure?

7.57.57.54441.51.51.5333

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:13 Let's find the perimeter of the trapezoid.
00:16 The perimeter is the total length of all the sides added together.
00:34 Now, let's plug in the values for each side and calculate the perimeter step by step.
00:58 Great job! That's how we solve this problem.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

What is the perimeter of the trapezoid in the figure?

7.57.57.54441.51.51.5333

2

Step-by-step solution

To find the perimeter of the trapezoid, we will sum the lengths of all its sides. The given side lengths are:

  • Base 1: 7.5 7.5
  • Base 2: 1.5 1.5
  • Leg 1: 3 3
  • Leg 2: 4 4

Using the formula for the perimeter P P of the trapezoid, we have:

P=a+b+c+d P = a + b + c + d

Substituting in the given values:

P=7.5+1.5+3+4 P = 7.5 + 1.5 + 3 + 4

Performing the addition:

P=7.5+1.5=9 P = 7.5 + 1.5 = 9

P=9+3=12 P = 9 + 3 = 12

P=12+4=16 P = 12 + 4 = 16

Therefore, the perimeter of the trapezoid is 16 16 .

3

Final Answer

16

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Definition: Perimeter equals the sum of all four side lengths
  • Technique: Add systematically: 7.5 + 1.5 = 9, then 9 + 3 + 4
  • Check: Count all sides used: two bases and two legs = 4 sides โœ“

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to include all four sides
    Don't add only the parallel bases or only some sides = incomplete perimeter! This gives a partial measurement that's much smaller than the actual perimeter. 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

Do I need to know which sides are parallel for perimeter?

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No! For perimeter, you simply add all four side lengths regardless of which ones are parallel. The trapezoid's special properties don't affect the perimeter calculation.

Why are there four different numbers given?

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A trapezoid has four sides that can all be different lengths! The diagram shows: top base = 7.5, right leg = 4, bottom base = 1.5, and left leg = 3.

Should I add decimals and whole numbers differently?

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No! Treat all numbers the same way. Just line up decimal points when adding: 7.5 + 1.5 + 3 + 4 = 16.

How can I check if I used all the sides?

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Count your terms! You should have exactly 4 numbers being added together. If you have fewer than 4, you missed a side.

What if I get confused about which measurement goes where?

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It doesn't matter for perimeter! Whether a side is 7.5 or 4 units long, you still add them all together. The position doesn't change the calculation.

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