To calculate the area of a trapezoid, you can use the formula:
Area = (1/2) * (a + b) * h
where 'a' and 'b' are the lengths of the two parallel sides of the trapezoid, and 'h' is the height.
Given that:
Side 'a' = 17 cm
Side 'b' = 15 cm
Height 'h' = 27 cm
We can substitute these values into the formula:
Area = (1/2) * (17 + 15) * 27
= (1/2) * 32 * 27
= 16 * 27
= 432
Therefore, the area of the trapezoid is 432 square centimeters.