ACT Math : How to find if trapezoids are similar

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ACT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #295 : Act Math

Trapezoid A and Trapezoid B are similar. The bases of Trapezoid A are  and . Trapezoid B has a smaller base of . How long is the larger base of Trapezoid B?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Because the two trapezoids are similar, the ratio of their bases must be the same. Therefore, we must set up a cross-multiplication to solve for the missing base:

, using  as the variable for the missing base.

 

Therefore, the length of the longer base of Trapezoid B is .

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