Shape 

Copyright David & Cynthia Thomas, 2009

 

Perimeter & Area of Polygons--Directed Activity: Area of a Trapezoid

                                                                          

Focus

Find the area of a trapezoid

Technologies

The Geometers Sketchpad and model 3_Trapezoids.gsp

Background

Figure 3.21: Trapezoid Area

 

Tasks

·        For each trapezoid, determine the length of the height and both bases.

·        Compute the area of each trapezoid then check your answer using The Geometers Sketchpad.

·        Devise and justify a formula for computing the area of any trapezoid.