Area of Trapezoid - Building from what we already know

See instructions below.

Observe the trapezoid in the applet carefully before playing with the slider. In particular notice that there are two bases. Play with the slider for a bit (move the slider slowly to see what is happening) and observe how the trapezoid becomes a different shape.

1. From your observations

Describe what happens when the slider is moved to the end, in particular: a) What is the new shape? b) What happened to the original height of the trapezoid?

2. A bit of thinking...

In the trapezoid above, suppose base1 = 6 cm, base2 = 3 cm, and height = 5 cm. What would the area of the trapezoid be? Explain how you found this value.

3. Making sense of the area in your own terms

Without looking up the formula on another tab in your internet browser, describe below, in your own words, how you could find the area of ANY TRAPEZOID in terms of both its bases and its height.

4. Applying your understanding 1

Which one?

Select the answer that matches the area you just found from the choices below.

Select all that apply
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
Check my answer (3)

5. Applying your understanding 2

5. Applying your understanding 2

What is the area of the trapezoid above? Units are in m

Select all that apply
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
Check my answer (3)