Trapezoid Perimeter Problem: Finding Missing Side in 30 cm Total Length

Question

The perimeter of the trapezoid below is 30 cm. Calculate the length of the missing side.

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Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:00 Find side BC
00:03 The perimeter of the trapezoid equals the sum of its sides
00:13 We'll substitute appropriate values according to the given data and solve for BC
00:29 We'll isolate BC
00:38 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-Step Solution

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

  • Step 1: Identify the given information
  • Step 2: Apply the perimeter formula
  • Step 3: Solve for the missing side

Now, let’s work through each step:

Step 1: The problem gives us a trapezoid with a perimeter of 30 cm and known side lengths of 8 cm, 4 cm, and 12 cm.
We let the missing side be x x cm.

Step 2: Use the perimeter formula for a trapezoid:

30=8+4+12+x 30 = 8 + 4 + 12 + x

Step 3: Combine the known side lengths:

30=24+x 30 = 24 + x

Solve for x x :

x=3024 x = 30 - 24 x=6 x = 6

Therefore, the length of the missing side is 6 cm.

Answer

6 cm