SAT Math : How to find the area of a trapezoid

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #9 :How To Find The Area Of A Trapezoid

A trapezoid has a base of length 4, another base of lengths, and a height of lengths. A square has sides of lengths. What is the value ofs这样,梯形的面积和面积of the square are equal?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In general, the formula for the area of a trapezoid is (1/2)(a+b)(h), whereaandbare the lengths of the bases, andhis the length of the height. Thus, we can write the area for the trapezoid given in the problem as follows:

area of trapezoid = (1/2)(4 +s)(s)

Similarly, the area of a square with sides of lengthais given bya2. Thus, the area of the square given in the problem iss2.

We now can set the area of the trapezoid equal to the area of the square and solve fors.

(1/2)(4 +s)(s) =s2

Multiply both sides by 2 to eliminate the 1/2.

(4 +s)(s) = 2s2

Distribute theson the left.

4s+s2= 2s2

Subtracts2from both sides.

4s=s2

Becauses必须是一个正数,我们可以分两方面s bys.

4 =s

This means the value ofsmust be 4.

The answer is 4.

Example Question #1 :Quadrilaterals

Find the area of a trapezoid given bases of length 1 and 2 and height of 2.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To solve, simply use the formula for the area of a trapezoid. Thus,

Example Question #2 :Quadrilaterals

Square 1

The above figure shows Square.的中点;的中点;的中点. Construct.

If Squarehas area, what is the area of Quadrilateral?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:
Explanation:

Letbe the common sidelength of the square. The area of the square is.

Construct segment. This divides the square into Rectangleand a right triangle. The dimensions of Rectangleare

and

.

The area of Rectangles the product of these dimensions:

The lengths of the legs of Rightare

and

The area of this right triangle is half the product of these lengths, or

This is seen below:

Square 2

The sum of these areas is the area of Quadrilateral

.

Substitutingfor, the area is.

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