Answer:
115 sq cm
Explanation:
the shared side (16 cm) separates these two shapes into two trapezoids
the formula for the area of a trapezoid is:
A = 1/2h(sum of bases)
the bases for the left trapezoid are 7 and 16 because they are parallel
the bases for the right trapezoid are also 7 and 16 because they are parallel
the height for one could be 'x' and for the other could be '20-x-'
Area of 1st trapezoid:
A = 1/2x(23)
= 23x/2
Area of 2nd trapezoid:
A = 1/2(20-x)·(23)
= 10-x/2·(23)
= (230-23x)/2
If you add the areas together you get the following:
23x/2 + (230-23x)/2
= 230/2
= 115