Question

The three trapezoids have the same base lengths, but different angle measures. Which trapezoid has the greatest area? Explain.

Answer 1

Well the formula for the area of a trapezoid is as follows:

A=
`(a+b)/(2) h`

where a and b are both base measures (a trapezoid has a top and bottom base).

Therefore, if all three have the same base length (the top and bottom lengths themselves being different yet the same on all three), the trapezoid with the greatest angle measure would have the greatest are. This is because with a greater angle measure comes a greater height (Pythagorean theorem).