Area or a Irapezold 5.) The bases of a trapezoid are 24 feet and 16 feet. The height of the trapezoid is 12 feet. What is the area of the trapezoid? \( A=\frac{1}{2}\left(b_{1}+b_{2}\right) h \)

To find the area of the trapezoid, you can use the formula \( A = \frac{1}{2}(b_1 + b_2)h \). Here, \( b_1 = 24 \) feet, \( b_2 = 16 \) feet, and the height \( h = 12 \) feet. Plugging in the values, the area calculation will be: \[ A = \frac{1}{2}(24 + 16)(12) = \frac{1}{2}(40)(12) = 20 \times 12 = 240 \text{ square feet.} \] So, the area of the trapezoid is 240 square feet. Trapezoids have been around for centuries! Ancient Egyptians were known to use them in their architectural designs, most notably in pyramids and other structures. The precise calculation of areas would have been essential for creating level surfaces and understanding land divisions. This demonstrates that even math has a rich historical narrative! In the real world, understanding trapezoidal areas can have practical applications in fields such as architecture, landscaping, and construction. For instance, if you're designing a backyard that features a trapezoidal flower bed, knowing how to calculate its area ensures you can budget for soil and plants accurately. It’s a neat way to blend creativity and math!