Question

find the area of the trapezoid below in square centimeters (cm). the area of the trapezoid is ____ square centimeter. enter the answer as decimal number.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall trapezoid area formula

The formula for the area of a trapezoid is \( A=\frac{(a + b)}{2}\times h \), where \( a \) and \( b \) are the lengths of the two parallel sides (bases), and \( h \) is the height (the perpendicular distance between the bases).
From the diagram, the two parallel sides (bases) are \( a = 14\space\text{cm} \) and \( b = 21\space\text{cm} \), and the height \( h = 7\space\text{cm} \).

Step2: Substitute values into the formula

First, calculate the sum of the bases: \( a + b=14 + 21 = 35\space\text{cm} \).
Then, substitute into the area formula: \( A=\frac{35}{2}\times7 \).
Calculate \( \frac{35}{2}=17.5 \), then \( 17.5\times7 = 122.5 \).

Answer:

\( 122.5 \)