Area of a Trapezoid

A step-by-step guide to finding the area of a trapezoid

To determine the area of a trapezoid, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Multiply the sum of the bases (the parallel sides) by the height (the perpendicular distance between the bases)
Step 2: Divide the product by 2.
So, the area of a trapezoid\( =\frac{1}{2}×\)(Sum of parallel sides)\(×\)(perpendicular distance in between the parallel sides).

Definition of the Area of a Trapezoid – Example 1

What is the area of this trapezoid?

Solution:
According to the area of a trapezoid:
Step 1: Add the parallel sides. \(14+11=25\)
Step 2: Multiply it by the perpendicular distance between the parallel sides. \(25×8=200\)
Step 3: Multiply the product by \(\frac{1}{2}\).
\(\frac{1}{2}×200=100\). So, the area of this trapezoid is \(100 cm^2\).

Definition of the Area of a Trapezoid – Example 2

What is the area of this trapezoid?

Solution:
According to the area of a trapezoid:
Step 1: Add the parallel sides. \(12+8=20\)
Step 2: Multiply it by the perpendicular distance between the parallel sides. \(20×3=60\)
Step 3: Multiply the product by \(\frac{1}{2}\).
\(\frac{1}{2}×60=30\). So, the area of this trapezoid is \(60 yd^2\).