Questions: Find the area of this trapezoid. Be sure to include the correct unit in your answer.

Solution Steps

The area \( A \) of a trapezoid can be calculated using the formula: \[ A = \frac{1}{2} \times (b_1 + b_2) \times h \] where \( b_1 \) and \( b_2 \) are the lengths of the two parallel sides (bases) and \( h \) is the height.

From the diagram:

• \( b_1 = 6 \) inches (the shorter base)
• \( b_2 = 14 \) inches (the longer base)
• \( h = 9 \) inches (the height)

Substitute the given values into the area formula: \[ A = \frac{1}{2} \times (6 + 14) \times 9 \]

First, add the bases: \[ 6 + 14 = 20 \] Then, multiply by the height: \[ 20 \times 9 = 180 \] Finally, multiply by \( \frac{1}{2} \): \[ \frac{1}{2} \times 180 = 90 \]

Final Answer