Final answer:
The area of the trapezoid when a=5.5, b=5, and c=7.2 is calculated using the formula (1/2)a(b+c) to be 33.55 square units.
Step-by-step explanation:
The expression (1)/(2)a(b+c) is used to calculate the area of a trapezoid. To find the area when a=5.5, b=5, and c=7.2, we substitute these values into the expression:
Area = (1/2) × 5.5 × (5 + 7.2)
First, calculate the sum inside the parentheses:
b + c = 5 + 7.2 = 12.2
Now, plug this result back into the equation:
Area = (1/2) × 5.5 × 12.2
Next, perform the multiplication:
Area = 0.5 × 5.5 × 12.2
Area = 33.55 square units