Question

The area of a trapezoid is given by the formula A = 1/2(b 1 + b 2)h, where base b 1 is parallel to base b 2 and h is the height. Solve the formula for b 2. Show your work.

Answer 1

This was one of my previous test questions:)

A = 1/2(b1+b2)h
To solve for b2, you need to move everything else onto the other side. I'll first multiply through by 2 in order to remove the fraction.

(2)A= 1/2(b1+b2)h (2)
2A= (b1+b2)h

To get rid of the h, divide both sides by h.

2A/h= (b1+b2)h/h
2A/h= b1+b2

To get rid of b1, subtract it from both sides.

2A/h - b1= b1+b2-b1
Answer: 2A/h - b1= b2

I really hope this helps!