High School Math : How to find the length of the side of a trapezoid

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Trapezoids

The following quadrilaterals are similar. Solve for \(\displaystyle x\).

Question_9

(Figure not drawn to scale).

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 4\)

\(\displaystyle 3\)

\(\displaystyle 7\)

\(\displaystyle 3.5\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 3.5\)

Explanation:

When polygons are similar, the sides will have the same ratio to one another. Set up the appropriate proportions.

\(\displaystyle \small \frac{2}{8}=\frac{x}{14}\)

Cross multiply.

\(\displaystyle \small 28=8x\)

\(\displaystyle \small x=3.5\)

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