Question

A trapezoid has a base of 4.5 inches, a height of 6 inches, and an area of 21 square inches. The equation below can be used to determine b2, the length in inches of the second base of the trapezoid.
12(4.5+b2)(6)=21

Answer 1

Answer:

2.5in

Step-by-step explanation:

Given parameters;

  Base = 4.5inches

   Height = 6inches

    Area  = 21in²

Unknown:

b₂ = ?

Solution:

 Formula for finding the area of a trapezium;

         A = $\frac{1}{2}$$(b_{1} + b_{2} )$ x h

     Input the parameters and solve for b₂;

      21  =  $\frac{1}{2}$$(4.5+ b_{2} )$ x 6

   

       21 = 3(4.5 + b₂)

       21 = 13.5 + 3b₂

      21 - 13.5 = 3b₂

     b₂ = 2.5in