Final answer:
To estimate the area of Missouri, we use the formula for the area of a trapezoid with the given dimensions, resulting in approximately 63,810 square miles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is asking us to estimate the area of the state of Missouri, which is compared to a trapezoid. The formula for the area of a trapezoid is A = (1/2) × (base1 + base2) × height. Plugging in the given values, the estimated area would be A = (1/2) × (198 miles + 276 miles) × 270 miles, which calculates to an approximate area of
63,810 square miles.
This method of calculating the area of a trapezoid is useful in various applications of geometry and is an essential concept in mathematics.