On a graph, the points (4,-2),(7,-2),(9,-5) and (2,-5) are connected in order to form a trapezoid. To the nearest tenth, what is its perimeter?

Answer 1

Compute the four side lenghts using the pairs of coordinates.

The side that goes from (4,-2) to (7,-2) has a length of sqrt[(7-4)^2 + (2 -(-2)^2] = 5

Do the others the same way.

Then add all four.

Answer 2

Thank you for your help, I still don't understand

Answer 3

In order to figure the length of a line segment, you have to rely on the Pythagorean Theorem. If that doesn't sound familiar, you need to review your text. The theorem states that in a right triangle with legs a and b, with hypotenuse c,

c² = a² + b²

Now, if you plot two points on a piece of graph paper, such as (7,-2) and (9,-5), the line joining the points will be a slanting line. If you draw horizontal and vertical lines from each point, they will intersect to form a right triangle. The length of the legs are just the x-distance from 7 to 9 = 2, and the y-distance from -5 to -2 = 3.

So, the length of the hypotenuse is given by

h² = 2² + 3²
h² = 13
so,
h = √13

If you follow these steps for each side of the figure, you can add up all the lengths to get the perimeter.