The area of trapezoid is h( b1+b2)/5,where h is the altitude, and b1 and b2 are the lenghts of the parallel bases. If trapezoid has an altitude of 5 inches, an area of 55 square inches , and one base 12 inches long, what is the length, in inches, of its other base?
To find the length of the other base of the trapezoid, we can substitute the given values into the formula for the area of a trapezoid and solve for the remaining unknown variable.
Given:
h (altitude) = 5 inches
Area = 55 square inches
One base (b1) = 12 inches
The formula for the area of a trapezoid is:
Area = (h * (b1 + b2))/2
Substituting the given values:
55 = (5 * (12 + b2))/2
Now let's solve for b2 (the length of the other base):
First, we can simplify the equation by multiplying both sides by 2:
110 = 5 * (12 + b2)
Next, distribute the 5 on the right side of the equation:
110 = 60 + 5b2
To isolate b2, subtract 60 from both sides:
110 - 60 = 5b2
50 = 5b2
Finally, divide both sides by 5:
10 = b2
Therefore, the length of the other base (b2) of the trapezoid is 10 inches.