How to find the area of a trapezoid
The area of a polygon is that the amount of square units within that polygon. Area is 2-dimensional like a carpet or an area rug, now what is a trapezoid and how to find the area of a trapezoid?
A trapezoid is a 4-sided figure with a single set of parallel sides. By way of instance, in the diagram above, both bases are parallel. To locate the area of a trapezoid, choose the amount of its bases, multiply the amount by the elevation of the trapezoid, then divide the result by two, The formula for the area of a trapezoid is:
or
Where 
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is height and · means multiply.
Each base of a trapezoid must be perpendicular to the height. In the diagram above, both bases are sides of the trapezoid. However, since the lateral sides are not perpendicular to either of the bases, a dotted line is drawn to represent the height.
Remember that the bases are the two parallel sides of the trapezoid. The altitude (or height) of a trapezoid is the perpendicular distance between the two bases.
If you want to know how to find the area of a trapezoid, just follow these steps.
- Identify the length of both bases. The bases are the two parallel sides of the trapezoid. Let’s call them sides A and B. Suppose A is 8 in long and side B is 13 in long.
- Add the lengths of the bases. Add 8 in and 13 in. 8 in + 13 in = 21 in.
- Identify the elevation of this trapezoid. The height of the trapezoid is vertical to the bases. In this case, assume the elevation of the trapezoid is 7 in.
- Multiply the amount of the lengths of the bases by the elevation. The amount of the lengths of these foundations is 21 in and the height is 7 in.
- Divide the result by 2. Split 147 in2 by 2 to find the last answer. 147 in2/2 = 73.5 in2. The area of the trapezoid is 73.5 in2
