Question

A trapezoid , having a height of 14 cm , has an area

of 224 cm² . The big base measures 2 cm more than the
small base. What are the lengths of the two bases ?

it should be solved as a system​

Answer 1

17 cm and 15 cm.

Explanation:

Area of a trapezoid = h/2(a + b) where h = height and a and b are the 2 bases.

so we have:

(14/2)(a + b) = 224 Distributing:

7a + 7b = 224 Dividing thru by 7:

a + b = 32

Also we have

a - b = 2 where a = longest base.

Adding the last 2 equations:

2a = 34

a = 17

So b = 17 - 2 = 15.