Question 730233
<font face="Arial">A trapezium will form the shape of a trapezoid. It's got the word "trap" in it, right? A trapezoid has two parallel bases. To find the area of a trapezoid, use the formula {{{A[Trapezoid]=((b[1]+b[2])(h))/2}}} or {{{A[Trapezoid]=(1/2)(h)(b[1]+b[2])}}}. In other words, add the bases together, multiply this by the height, and divide everything by two. {{{b[1]}}} and {{{b[2]}}}=bases and h=height in the equation.
So, the parallel sides would be are bases on the trapezium, 36cm and 64 cm. The height would be the distance between the bases, 20cm. If we set up our equation...
{{{A[Trapezoid]=((36+64)(20))/2}}}
If we solve it...
{{{A[Trapezoid]=((100)(20))/2}}}
{{{A[Trapezoid]=2000/2}}}
{{{A[Trapezoid]=1000}}}
The area of the trapezium would be 1,000{{{cm^2}}}.
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If your having trouble visualizing how to find the area of a trapezoid: <a href="http://www.calculateme.com/cArea/area-of-trapezoid.gif">Click here</a>
If your simply wondering why this formula works?: <a href="http://www.mathopenref.com/trapezoidareaderive.html">Click here</a>