Final answer:
To solve for b1 in the formula A = 1/2(b1 + b2) h, you isolate b1 by dividing both sides by 1/2*h and then subtracting b2, leading to the formula b1 = (2A)/h - b2.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation provided is for calculating the area (A) of a trapezoid, where b1 and b2 are the lengths of the two parallel sides (bases) and h is the height. To solve for b1, you need to manipulate the formula:
A = 1/2(b1 + b2) h
First, you can divide both sides by 1/2*h to isolate b1 + b2:
b1 + b2 = (2A)/h
Then subtract b2 from both sides to solve for b1:
b1 = (2A)/h - b2
This gives you the value of b1 based on the area, the height, and the length of the second base.