Question

what is the area, in square inches, of the trapezoid below? 12.5 in 9 in 6.5 in answer attempt 2 out of 2 a = \boxed{} in² submit answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall trapezoid area formula

The area \( A \) of a trapezoid is given by \( A=\frac{1}{2}(b_1 + b_2)h \), 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 \( b_1 \), \( b_2 \), and \( h \)

From the diagram, \( b_1 = 12.5 \) in, \( b_2 = 6.5 \) in, and \( h = 9 \) in.

Step3: Substitute values into the formula

\[

$$\begin{align*} A&=\frac{1}{2}(12.5 + 6.5)\times9\\ &=\frac{1}{2}(19)\times9\\ & = 9.5\times9\\ &=85.5 \end{align*}$$

\]

Answer:

\( 85.5 \)