Final answer:
To solve for b2 in the area of a trapezoid formula, multiply the equation by 2, divide by the height, and then subtract b1 from both sides.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the formula for b2 in the area of a trapezoid A = 1/2 h (b1 + b2), follow these steps:
- Multiply both sides of the equation by 2 to get rid of the fraction: 2A = h(b1 + b2).
- Divide both sides by the height h to isolate the base terms: 2A/h = b1 + b2.
- Subtract b1 from both sides to solve for b2: b2 = (2A/h) - b1.
Now, b2 is expressed in terms of A (area of the trapezoid), h (height), and b1 (the first base).