Question

A trapezoid has an area of 22 square inches. The longer base measures 6 inches and the height is 4 inches. use the formula A=1/2h(b1+b2) to find the length of the shorter base.
a.
b = 10
b.
b = 5
c.
b = 7.5
d.
b = 12.5

Answer 1

The easiest way to do this would be to fill in the equation with each answer choice.
\[1) A = 1/2(4)(6 + 10)\]\[2) A = 1/2(4)(6+5)\]\[3) A = 1/2(4)(6+7.5)\]\[4) A = 1/2(4)(6+12.5)\] And solve each of those until you get the one that makes a = 22 (since we already know what the area is.

Answer 2

A=1/2h(b1+b2)

Or, of course, one could use one's best algebra skills and solve directly.

22=(1/2)4(6+b2)

Multiply by 2
Divide by 4
Etc.

However, we are told that 6 is the longer base. How many of those answer choices are shorter than 6"? It's an eyeball problem. Pick Short Base = 5" and be done!

Answer 3

so number 1 then right????

Answer 4

No. Fill in that equation I gave you at the top and see if number one equals out to 22.

Answer 5

You're not paying attention. You didn't read what I wrote.

"longer base measures 6 inches "

Is 10" shorter than 6"?

Answer 6

no its not

Answer 7

Is 5" shorter than 6"

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

Is there any choice besides 5" that is less than 6"?

Answer 10

no