To find the area of the trapezoid-shaped table top, we can create a rectangle around the trapezoid by extending the bases of the trapezoid horizontally.
The rectangle will have a length of 48 inches and a height of 18 inches.
To find the area of the trapezoid, we can find the area of the rectangle first, which is:
Area = length x height
Area = 48 inches x 18 inches
Area = 864 square inches
Next, we need to subtract the area of the two right triangles on each side of the trapezoid. Each triangle has a base of 18 inches (half of the difference between the two bases of the trapezoid) and a height of 18 inches.
The area of each triangle is:
Area = 1/2 x base x height
Area = 1/2 x 18 inches x 18 inches
Area = 162 square inches
For both triangles, the total area to subtract is:
162 square inches + 162 square inches = 324 square inches
Finally, the area of the trapezoid-shaped table top is:
864 square inches - 324 square inches = 540 square inches
Therefore, the area of the trapezoid-shaped table top is 540 square inches.
Compose a rectangle to help find the area of a trapezoid shaped table top in square inches. Length is 48, height is 18
1 answer