Question

A trapezoid is a four-sided figure with exactly one pair of parallel sides. The expression $\frac{1}{2} h(B+b)$ represents its area, when $B$ and $b$ are the lengths of the two parallel sides and $h$ is the height between these sides. Find the area if $B=15$ inches, $b=7$ inches, and $h=5$ inches.

Name: Problem 98, Chapter 1: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra
Uploaded: 2020-03-18T21:57:38-08:00
Duration: 1 min 10 s
Channel: Karly Williams
Description: A trapezoid is a four-sided figure with exactly one pair of parallel sides. The expression (1)/(2) h(B+b) represents its area, when B and b are the lengths of the two parallel sides and h is the height between these sides. Find the area if B=15 inches, b=7 inches, and h=5 inches.

   A trapezoid is a four-sided figure with exactly one pair of parallel sides. The expression $\frac{1}{2} h(B+b)$ represents its area, when $B$ and $b$ are the lengths of the two parallel sides and $h$ is the height between these sides. Find the area if $B=15$ inches, $b=7$ inches, and $h=5$ inches.

Beginning and Intermediate Algebra

Elayn Martin-Gay 4th Edition

Chapter 1, Problem 98

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Karly Williams

03/18/2020

Step 1

The formula is $\frac{1}{2} h(B+b)$, where $B$ and $b$ are the lengths of the two parallel sides and $h$ is the height between these sides. In this case, $B=15$ inches, $b=7$ inches, and $h=5$ inches. So, we get $\frac{1}{2} \times 5 \times (15+7)$. Show more…

Show all steps

Thanks for your feedback!

A trapezoid is a four-sided figure with exactly one pair of parallel sides. The expression $\frac{1}{2} h(B+b)$ represents its area, when $B$ and $b$ are the lengths of the two parallel sides and $h$ is the height between these sides. Find the area if $B=15$ inches, $b=7$ inches, and $h=5$ inches.

Play audio

Feedback

Karly Williams and 98 other educators are ready to help you.

Ask a new question

Labs

Want to see this concept in action?

NEW

Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.

View Labs

Key Concepts

Trapezoid

A trapezoid is a quadrilateral characterized by having exactly one pair of parallel sides. This definition is essential in geometry because it determines the properties and formulas that apply to the shape, distinguishing it from other quadrilaterals like parallelograms, rectangles, and squares.

Area Formula for a Trapezoid

The area of a trapezoid is determined by the formula (1/2) times the height multiplied by the sum of the lengths of the two parallel sides. This formula reflects the concept of averaging the bases (parallel sides) and then scaling by the height, which is the perpendicular distance between these sides, and is a practical application of algebra in geometric calculations.

Please give Ace some feedback