Geometric probability problem involving an isoscript trapezoid with side lengths 12, 12, 12, and 24 inches.

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Answered by GPT-4o mini
Given an isosceles trapezoid with side lengths 12 inches, 12 inches, 12 inches, and 24 inches, we can denote the trapezoid as \( ABCD \) with \( AB = 24 \) inches (the longer base), \( CD = 12 \) inches (the shorter base), and the legs \( AD = BC = 12 \) inches.

To solve geometric probability or other problems involving this trapezoid, we can start by determining some of its properties such as area and height.

### Step 1: Find the height of the trapezoid

1. **Drop perpendiculars from points \( C \) and \( D \) to line \( AB \)**, meeting \( AB \) at points \( P \) and \( Q \) respectively. Thus, \( CP \) and \( DQ \) are the heights of the trapezoid.

2. **Label the lengths**: Let \( AP = DQ = h \) (height from \( C \) and \( D \) to base \( AB \)). The distance \( PQ = AB - CD = 24 - 12 = 12 \) inches.

3. **Since \( AD \) and \( BC \) are both equal to 12 inches, we can apply the Pythagorean Theorem** for triangle \( ADP \):
\[
AP^2 + PD^2 = AD^2
\]
where \( PD \) is half the remaining horizontal distance (since \( CD \) is centered above \( AB \)):
\[
PD = \frac{PQ}{2} = \frac{12}{2} = 6
\]
Therefore, the equation becomes:
\[
h^2 + 6^2 = 12^2
\]
\[
h^2 + 36 = 144
\]
\[
h^2 = 108 \implies h = \sqrt{108} = 6\sqrt{3}
\]

### Step 2: Calculate the Area of the Trapezoid

The area \( A \) of a trapezoid is given by the formula:
\[
A = \frac{1}{2} \times (b_1 + b_2) \times h
\]
where \( b_1 \) and \( b_2 \) are the lengths of the bases and \( h \) is the height.
Substituting our values:
\[
A = \frac{1}{2} \times (24 + 12) \times 6\sqrt{3} = \frac{1}{2} \times 36 \times 6\sqrt{3} = 108\sqrt{3} \text{ square inches}
\]

### Step 3: Find the Probability of a Point Landing Inside the Trapezoid

If you were looking for a geometric probability problem involving points landing inside the trapezoid or within a certain area defined relative to the trapezoid, you would define a larger area (such as a rectangle or circle) and the probability would be the ratio of the areas.

For example, if we consider the trapezoid enveloped in a rectangle formed by extending the bases to their respective heights:
- The rectangle has width \( 24 \) inches (the length of the longer base) and height \( 6\sqrt{3} \) inches, yielding an area of:
\[
A_{rectangle} = 24 \times 6\sqrt{3} = 144\sqrt{3} \text{ square inches}
\]

The probability \( P \) that a randomly chosen point in the rectangle falls inside the trapezoid is:
\[
P = \frac{\text{Area of Trapezoid}}{\text{Area of Rectangle}} = \frac{108\sqrt{3}}{144\sqrt{3}} = \frac{108}{144} = \frac{3}{4}
\]

This is a simplified approach. Depending on the specific formulation of your geometric probability question, the approach may vary. If you have a specific aspect you'd like to explore further, please provide additional details!

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