Question

The height of a trapezoid is 8 in. and it’s area is 96 in^2. One base of the trapezoid is 6 inches longer than the other base. What are the lengths of the bases? Explain how you found your answer.

Answer 1

A=(B+b)*h/2=96

(B+b)*8/2=96

⇒B+b=96*2/8=96/4=24

B=b+6

⇒(b+6)+b=24
2b+6=24
2b=24-6
2b=18
b=18:2
b=9 in.
B=9+6
B=15 in.