example

Find the area of a trapezoid whose height is [latex]5[/latex] feet and whose bases are [latex]10.3[/latex] and [latex]13.7[/latex] feet.

Show Solution

Solution

Step 1. Read the problem. Draw the figure and label it with the given information.
Step 2. Identify what you are looking for.	the area of the trapezoid
Step 3. Name. Choose a variable to represent it.	Let A = the area
Step 4.Translate. Write the appropriate formula. Substitute.