Understanding the Area of a Trapezoid

What is a trapezoid?

• A shape with four sides and no parallel sides

• A flat shape with four straight sides and one pair of parallel sides

• A three-dimensional shape with four sides

• A shape with four sides and two pairs of parallel sides

What are the parallel sides of a trapezoid called?

• Bases

• Vertices

• Diagonals

• Heights

Which formula is easier according to Mrs. Fry for finding the area of a trapezoid?

• Multiply the bases, add the height, then multiply by 1/2

• Add the bases, multiply by the height, then divide by 2

• Multiply the bases, add the height, then divide by 2

• Add the bases, multiply by 1/2, then multiply by the height

What is the first step in finding the area of a trapezoid using the formula?

• Add the bases

• Subtract the bases

• Multiply the bases

• Divide the bases

In the first example, what is the sum of the bases?

• 20

• 18

• 10

• 12

What is the height of the trapezoid in the first example?

• 5

• 6

• 18

• 12

What is the final area of the trapezoid in the first example?

• 90 square inches

• 50 square inches

• 45 square inches

• 30 square inches

In the second example, what is the value of base one?

• 5

• 2

• 8

• 6

What is the height of the trapezoid in the second example?

• 6

• 2

• 5

• 8

What is the final area of the trapezoid in the second example?

• 20 square centimeters

• 25 square centimeters

• 30 square centimeters

• 15 square centimeters