What is the correct area formula for a trapezoid, A=1/2h(b1+b2), rearranged for the quantity of interest h?

1 answer

To rearrange the area formula for a trapezoid, \( A = \frac{1}{2} h (b_1 + b_2) \), to solve for \( h \), follow these steps:

  1. Start with the original formula: \[ A = \frac{1}{2} h (b_1 + b_2) \]

  2. Multiply both sides by 2 to eliminate the fraction: \[ 2A = h (b_1 + b_2) \]

  3. Now, divide both sides by \( (b_1 + b_2) \) to isolate \( h \): \[ h = \frac{2A}{b_1 + b_2} \]

Thus, the rearranged formula for \( h \) is: \[ h = \frac{2A}{b_1 + b_2} \]