Find Missing Sides in Isosceles Trapezoid with Perimeter 4X+2Y

Isosceles Trapezoid Properties with Algebraic Sides

Below is an isosceles trapezoid with a perimeter of 4X+2Y.

Calculate the lengths of the missing sides.

XXX3X3X3X

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find the length of the legs of the trapezoid
00:03 The perimeter of the trapezoid equals the sum of its sides
00:12 We'll substitute appropriate values according to the given data and solve to find side CD
00:24 An isosceles trapezoid according to the given data
00:39 We'll substitute the values of the sides according to the given data
00:56 We'll isolate CD
01:09 This is the length of side CD, and therefore also the length of side AB
01:19 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

Below is an isosceles trapezoid with a perimeter of 4X+2Y.

Calculate the lengths of the missing sides.

XXX3X3X3X

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Understand the properties of an isosceles trapezoid.
  • Step 2: Use the given information to set up equations for the perimeter.
  • Step 3: Solve the equations to find the missing side length.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: An isosceles trapezoid has two parallel sides and two non-parallel sides that are equal in length. Here, the lengths of the parallel sides are given as XX and 3X3X. Therefore, the non-parallel sides (legs) must each be YY.

Step 2: According to the problem, the perimeter of the trapezoid is 4X+2Y4X + 2Y. The perimeter can also be expressed as the sum of all sides: X+3X+Y+YX + 3X + Y + Y.

So we write the equation:
X+3X+Y+Y=4X+2YX + 3X + Y + Y = 4X + 2Y

Simplify the equation:
4X+2Y=4X+2Y4X + 2Y = 4X + 2Y

This indicates that the setup is already balanced. Thus, the lengths of the missing sides (non-parallel sides) are each YY.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is Y Y .

3

Final Answer

Y

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Property: Isosceles trapezoids have two equal non-parallel sides (legs)
  • Technique: Set up perimeter equation: X+3X+Y+Y=4X+2Y X + 3X + Y + Y = 4X + 2Y
  • Check: Verify both legs are equal and perimeter matches given expression โœ“

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Assuming all sides must be different lengths
    Don't think each side needs a unique variable = overcomplicated solution! In isosceles trapezoids, the two legs are always equal by definition. Always remember that 'isosceles' means the non-parallel sides have the same length.

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

What makes a trapezoid 'isosceles'?

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An isosceles trapezoid has two parallel sides (bases) and two equal non-parallel sides (legs). Think of it like an isosceles triangle with the top cut off parallel to the base!

How do I know which sides are the legs?

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The legs are the slanted sides that connect the two parallel bases. In this problem, since we have bases of length X X and 3X 3X , the two remaining sides must be the equal legs.

Why does the equation balance automatically?

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The equation 4X+2Y=4X+2Y 4X + 2Y = 4X + 2Y balances because we correctly identified that each leg has length Y Y . This confirms our setup is correct!

What if the perimeter was different?

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If the perimeter was something like 5X+3Y 5X + 3Y , you'd solve: 4X+2Y=5X+3Y 4X + 2Y = 5X + 3Y to find the relationship between X X and Y Y .

Can I solve this without knowing what X and Y equal?

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Absolutely! This problem asks for the length expression of the missing sides, not specific numbers. Since it's an isosceles trapezoid, each leg must be Y Y .

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