Calculating the Area of Trapezoids

The video tutorial explains how to calculate the area of a right trapezoid. It begins by identifying the lengths of the two parallel bases, B1 and B2, and the height. The process involves adding the base lengths, dividing by two to find the average, and then multiplying by the height to find the area. The tutorial also explains the logic behind the formula, showing how it effectively transforms the trapezoid into a rectangle for easier calculation.

What are the names given to the two parallel sides of a trapezoid?

• B sub 1 and B sub 2

• Side 1 and Side 2

• A and B

• X and Y

What is the first step in calculating the area of a trapezoid?

• Measure the sides

• Add the bases

• Divide the height

• Multiply the bases

How do you find the average length of the bases in a trapezoid?

• Add the bases and divide by 3

• Subtract the bases and divide by 2

• Multiply the bases and divide by 2

• Add the bases and divide by 2

What is the next step after finding the average length of the bases?

• Add the height

• Multiply by the height

• Divide by the height

• Subtract the height

How is the length of B sub 1 measured on a graph?

• Estimating visually

• Counting the units along the edge

• Using a ruler on the screen

• Counting the squares inside the shape

What is the length of the top base, B sub 2, of the trapezoid?

• 6 units

• 4 units

• 2 units

• 8 units

What is the height of the trapezoid?

• 2 units

• 4 units

• 8 units

• 6 units

What total do you get when you add the two bases of the trapezoid?

• 12

• 10

• 8

• 6

What is the area of the trapezoid?

• 24 square units

• 12 square units

• 48 square units

• 36 square units

Why do we average the lengths of the bases in the area calculation?

• To reduce the number of steps

• To create a virtual rectangle

• To adjust for measurement errors

• To simplify the calculation