Question

The area of a trapezoid is 15 cm2. The height is 3 cm, and the bases have lengths of 2x and 3x cm. Find x, and give the lengths of the two bases.

Answer 1

• x = 2, bases are 4 cm and 6 cm

Explanation:

Area formula:

• A = 1/2(b1 + b2)h

Substitute the given values:

• 15 = 1/2(2x + 3x)(3)
• 1/2(15x) = 15
• x = 2

The bases are:

• b1 = 2*2 = 4 cm
• b2 = 3*2 = 6 cm