How to find the area of a trapezoid
Common Core Standard 7.G.6
Area of a Trapezoid
Area is a measure of the number of square units found inside the trapezoid. Area is a two dimensional measure so it is always squared.
The height of the trapezoid is perpendicular to the two parallel bases. One common mistake made when calculating the area of a trapezoid is to use the side length as the height. Again, the height is measured as a line perpendicular to the two parallel bases.
The video below covers several of the properties of a trapezoid.
The area of a trapezoid may be found using the formula 1/2h(b1+b2)
Video answers these questions
Why use the formula 1/2h(b1+b2) to find the area of a trapezoid?
What is the area of a trapezoid with a height of 10 units, and sides of 12 and 16 units?
What is the area of a trapezoid with sides of 4,5, and 9 units?
In order to solve this triangle you have to find the height of the trapezoid.
