Trapezoid

Definition of Trapezoid

• The trapezoid has 2 sides that are parallel lines.
• Trapezoid is a quadrilateral with only one pair of parallel sides.

 

Examples of Trapezoid  

The regular shape of a trapezoid.

                         

Solved Example on Trapezoid

A trapezoidal flowerbed has parallel sides of lengths 12 m and 6 m. Find the area of the flowerbed, if its height is 8 m.      

                                          

Choices:               

          A. 

          B. 

          C. 

          D.                            

          Correct Answer: B

          Solution:

Step 1: Flowerbed is in the form of a trapezium.

Step 2: Area of the trapezoid ADEF = Area of the triangle ABF + Area of the triangle CDE + Area of the rectangle BCEF.

 Step 3: Area of the triangle =  × (base × height)                  [Formula.]

Step 4: Area of the triangle ABF =  × (3 × 8) = [Substitute and simplify.]

 Step 5: Area of the triangle CED =  × (3 × 8) = [Substitute and simplify.]

Step 6: Area of the rectangle BCEF = 6 × 8 =                  [Area of the rectangle = length × width.]

Step 7: So, the area of the flowerbed = 48 + 12 + 12 = . 

Related Terms for Trapezoid

• Quadrilateral
• Four-sided
• Parallel lines
• Sides

            

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