Question

If the length of one base of a trapezoid is 5, the length of the other base is 2x + 7, and the length of the midsegment is 6x – 24, what is the value of x? Show equations and all work that leads to your answer.

Answer 1

x = 6

Explanation:

The midsegment of a trapezoid is the line parallel to the parallel sides of the trapezoid, which connects the midpoints of the non-parallel sides.

The length of the midsegment of the trapezoid is half the sum of the length of the parallel sides.

i.e,

Length of the midsegment = (1/2) *(Length of base1 + Length of base2)

6x - 24 = (1/2) * (5 + 2x + 7)

12x - 48 = 2x + 12

10x = 60

x=6

∴ x = 6