Question

A trapezoid has a base of 4.5 inches, a height of 6 inches, and an area of 21 square inches. The equation below can be used to determine b2, the length in inches of the second base of the trapezoid.

12(4.5+b2)(6)=21

Answer 1

`b_2 = -2.5`

Explanation:

Given

`(1)/(2)(4.5 + b_2) * 6 = 21`

Required

Determine the value of T

`(1)/(2)(4.5 + b_2) * 6 = 21`

Multiply both sides by 2

`2 * (1)/(2)(4.5 + b_2) * 6 = 21 * 2`

`(4.5 + b_2) * 6 = 42`

Divide through by 6

`4.5 + b_2 = 42/6```

`4.5 + b_2 = 7`

`b_2 = 7 - 4.5`

`b_2 = -2.5`