GED Mathematical Reasoning TestQuantitative Problem Solving with MeasurementMedium
A city planner is designing a new public square in the shape of a trapezoid. The parallel sides of the trapezoid are 60 meters and 90 meters, and the perpendicular distance between them is 40 meters. What is the area of the public square?
- A4500 m²
- B3000 m²
- C3600 m²
- D6000 m²
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. 3000 m²
Use the formula for the area of a trapezoid: A = 0.5 × (base1 + base2) × height. Substitute the given lengths of the parallel sides (bases) and the perpendicular distance (height) into the formula.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This results from (60+90)*30 or other incorrect application of the formula.
- C. This results from multiplying (90 * 40) or other incorrect area calculations.
- D. This results from simply multiplying (60+90)*40, forgetting the 0.5 factor.
Area of a Trapezoid
The amount of two-dimensional space enclosed within a trapezoid.
- Formula: A = 0.5 × (b1 + b2) × h
- b1 and b2 are the lengths of the parallel sides
- h is the perpendicular height between the parallel sides
Memory trick: Half Sum of Bases Times Height