Question

The formula for the area of a trapezoid is A = 1/2(b₁ +b₂)h. When this equation is solved for b₁ one equation b₁ = 2A/h -b₂ .

Which of the following is an equivalent equation to find b₁?

a. b₁ = (2A - b₂h) / h
b. b₁ = (2A - b₂h)
c. b₁ = h/(2A - b₂h)
d. b₁ = h(2A - b₂h)

Answer 1

Let's manipulate the given equation \( b_1 = \frac{2A}{h} - b_2 \) to find an equivalent expression for \( b_1 \):

Multiply both sides by \( h \):

\[ h \cdot b_1 = 2A - b_2h \]

Now, isolate \( b_1 \):

\[ b_1 = \frac{2A - b_2h}{h} \]

So, the equivalent equation for \( b_1 \) is:

a. \( b_1 = \frac{2A - b_2h}{h} \)