The area of a trapezoid can be calculated using the formula:
Area = (1/2) × (b1 + b2) × h
Where:
- b1 = length of the first base
- b2 = length of the second base
- h = height of the trapezoid
Even if the diagram is not drawn to scale, you can still find the area as long as you have the measurements of the bases and the height. Simply substitute the values into the formula to obtain the area.
For example, if the lengths of the two bases are 5 units and 7 units, and the height is 4 units, the area would be calculated as follows:
Area = (1/2) × (5 + 7) × 4 = (1/2) × 12 × 4 = 24 square units
This formula applies regardless of the shape or scaling of the trapezoid, making it a reliable method to find the area.