Copy of Area of a Trapezoid
Use this dynamic worksheet to derive the formula for area of a trapezoid.
Use the slider to rotate the trapezoid around BD.
1. What shape do the two combined trapezoids form?
2. Let b1 represent the length of AB and b2 represent the length of CD. What is the length of the base of the shape formed by the combined trapeziums?
3. Write the formula for the combined shape in terms of b1, b2 and h.
What fraction of the combined shape is the original trapezium?
Write a rule for the area of the original trapezium in terms of b1, b2 and h.