How do you calculate the area of a trapezoid?

The area of a trapezoid can be calculated using the following formula:

Area = (1/2) * (b₁ + b₂) * h

Where:

• b₁: Length of the first base (the top side of the trapezoid).
• b₂: Length of the second base (the bottom side of the trapezoid).
• h: Height of the trapezoid (the perpendicular distance between the two bases).

To compute the area:

1. Measure the lengths of the two bases (b₁ and b₂).
2. Measure the height (h) of the trapezoid.
3. Plug these values into the formula above.

For example, if a trapezoid has base lengths of 5 units and 7 units, with a height of 4 units, the calculation would be:

Area = (1/2) * (5 + 7) * 4 = (1/2) * 12 * 4 = 24 square units.

This method will give you the area of the trapezoid accurately, allowing you to apply it in various practical scenarios.