Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Practice Test

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What formula is used to calculate the area of a trapezoid?

(1/2)(sum of bases) x (height)
1/2 x (base x height)
(base1 + base2) x (height) / 2
(base1 + base2) x (height)

The correct answer is: (1/2)(sum of bases) x (height)

The formula used to calculate the area of a trapezoid is derived from its geometric properties. A trapezoid has two parallel sides, referred to as the bases, and a certain height, which is the perpendicular distance between these bases. To find the area, the formula involves summing the lengths of the two bases and then multiplying that sum by the height of the trapezoid. Specifically, the sum of the bases is divided by 2 to find the average length of the bases. When this average is then multiplied by the height, it effectively gives the area of the trapezoid. Thus, the formula is expressed as: Area = (1/2)(Base1 + Base2) x Height. This formula correctly captures the essence of how the lateral dimensions of the trapezoid contribute to its overall area. By ensuring that the bases are averaged, you obtain a single representative length that reflects the trapezoidal shape, which is then scaled by the height to find the complete area. This comprehensive understanding is crucial not only for solving geometry problems but also for practical applications in areas involving trapezoidal shapes, such as in architecture and engineering.