area of a Trapezoid

Concept of Area of a Trapezoid

  • Definition: The area of a trapezoid is calculated using the formula:

    • Formula: Area=(Base 1+Base 2)×Height2\text{Area} = \frac{(\text{Base 1} + \text{Base 2}) \times \text{Height}}{2}

    • Where:

    • Base 1: Length of the first base of the trapezoid

    • Base 2: Length of the second base of the trapezoid

    • Height: Perpendicular distance between the two bases

Example Calculation

  • Given:

    • Base 1 = 10 centimeters

    • Base 2 = 4 centimeters

    • Height = 6 centimeters

  • Calculation Steps:

    1. Add Base 1 and Base 2:

    • Calculation: 10+4=1410 + 4 = 14

    1. Multiply the sum by Height:

    • Calculation: 14×6=8414 \times 6 = 84

    1. Divide by 2:

    • Calculation: 842=42\frac{84}{2} = 42

  • Final Result:

    • Area = 42 square centimeters.

Conclusion

  • The trapezoid with the given dimensions has an area of 42 square centimeters. This example demonstrates how to apply the trapezoid area formula step-by-step, emphasizing the arithmetic operations necessary.