ISEE Middle Level Quantitative : How to find the area of a trapezoid

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Middle Level Quantitative

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : How To Find The Area Of A Trapezoid

Square c

Note: Figure NOT drawn to scale

The above figure shows Square 

Which is the greater quantity?

(a) The area of Trapezoid 

(b) The area of Trapezoid 

Possible Answers:

(b) is the greater quantity

(a) is the greater quantity

(a) and (b) are equal

It is impossible to determine which is greater from the information given

Correct answer:

(a) is the greater quantity

Explanation:

The easiest way to answer the question is to locate  on  such that :

Square c

Trapezoids  and  have the same height, which is . Their bases, by construction, have the same lengths -  and . Therefore, Trapezoids  and  have the same area.

Since , it follows that , and . It follows that Trapezoid  is greater in area than Trapezoids  and , and Trapezoid  is less in area.

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