Question

find the area of this trapezoid. be sure to include the correct unit in your answer.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for the area of a trapezoid

The formula for the area of a trapezoid is $A = \frac{1}{2}(b_1 + b_2)h$, where $b_1$ and $b_2$ are the lengths of the two parallel sides (bases) and $h$ is the height (the perpendicular distance between the bases).

Step2: Identify the values of $b_1$, $b_2$, and $h$

From the diagram, we can see that:

• $b_1 = 7\space m$ (the top base)
• $b_2 = 17\space m$ (the bottom base)
• $h = 9\space m$ (the height, since it is perpendicular to the bases)

Step3: Substitute the values into the formula

Substitute $b_1 = 7$, $b_2 = 17$, and $h = 9$ into the formula:

$$\begin{align*} A&=\frac{1}{2}(7 + 17)\times9\\ &=\frac{1}{2}(24)\times9\\ &= 12\times9 \end{align*}$$

Step4: Calculate the result

$12\times9 = 108$

Answer:

The area of the trapezoid is $108\space m^2$.