Question

what is the area, in square centimeters, of the isosceles trapezoid below? 15.5 cm, 8 cm, 5.7 cm

Explanation:

Step1: Recall trapezoid area formula

The area of a trapezoid is given by $\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times (b_1 + b_2) \times h$, where $b_1$ and $b_2$ are the lengths of the two parallel sides, and $h$ is the height.

Step2: Identify given values

$b_1 = 15.5\ \text{cm}$, $b_2 = 5.7\ \text{cm}$, $h = 8\ \text{cm}$

Step3: Substitute values into formula

$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times (15.5 + 5.7) \times 8$

Step4: Calculate sum of the bases

$15.5 + 5.7 = 21.2$

Step5: Compute final area

$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times 21.2 \times 8 = 10.6 \times 8 = 84.8$

Answer:

$84.8$ square centimeters