Solve the area of a trapezoid using a standard formula.
Find the area of a trapezoid using a couple of methods. If you know the base lengths and the height of the trapezoid, use the standard formula to solve your problem correctly. It helps to draw the trapezoid with the information provided in the problem if you haven't a picture of the trapezoid in front of you. This visual provides a logic check to make sure you've computed the area correctly and the answer makes sense.
Instructions
1. Use the standard formula. The formula to find the area of a trapezoid is A=(1/2)h(a+b). A stands for area, h stands for height, and a and b stand for the lengths of the two bases.
2. Plug in the information provided in the problem. For example, the height of the trapezoid is 22, one base (label it a) is 11 and the other base (label it b) is 19.
3. Plug everything into the formula: A=(1/2)22(11+19). Work inside the parenthesis first; A=(1/2)22(30). Multiply 30 and 22; A=(1/2)660. One half of 660 is 330. The area for this trapezoid is 330. Add units of measure, as appropriate, either inches or feet, and remember to square them. The trapezoid in the example is 330 sq. ft. in area.
Tags: standard formula, area trapezoid, base label, height trapezoid, information provided, information provided problem