Question

In trapezoid ABCD, points M and N are arbitrary points on bases AB and CD respectively. Find the area of the trapezoid, if area AABN=23 cm2 and area ACDM=18 cm2.

Answer 1

We can let M=B and N=D, so that MN becomes diagonal BD, dividing the trapezoid into ∆ABD (∆ABN) and ∆CDB (∆CDM). The sum of the areas of these triangles is the area of the trapezoid.

area ABCD = 23 cm² +18 cm² = 41 cm²