Question

The equation a = 1/2(b1 + b2)h can be used to determine the area, a, of a trapezoid with height, h, and base lengths, b1 and b2. Which are equivalent equations? Check all that apply.

a) a = (b1 + b2)h
b) a = 1/2b1h + 1/2b2h
c) a = (b1 + b2)/2h
d) a = (b1h + b2h)/2

Answer 1

The equivalent equations for determining the area of a trapezoid are a) a = (b1 + b2)h and c) a = (b1 + b2)/2h.

Step-by-step explanation:

The equivalent equations for the trapezoid area formula are a) a = (b1 + b2)h and c) a = (b1 + b2)/2h. Let's break down each option.

a) a = (b1 + b2)h: This equation is equivalent to the original formula. It calculates the area by adding the bases (b1 and b2) and multiplying by the height (h).

c) a = (b1 + b2)/2h: This equation is also equivalent to the original formula. It calculates the area by adding the bases (b1 and b2), dividing by 2, and multiplying by the height (h).

The other options, b) a = 1/2b1h + 1/2b2h and d) a = (b1h + b2h)/2, are not equivalent to the original formula.