How to get the perimeter of a trapezoid?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the method to calculate the perimeter of a trapezoid, which involves summing the lengths of all its sides.
Answer
The perimeter of a trapezoid is calculated by adding the lengths of all its sides.
Answer for screen readers
The perimeter of a trapezoid is calculated by adding the lengths of all its sides.
Steps to Solve
- Identify the lengths of all four sides of the trapezoid
Ensure you have the lengths of the two parallel sides (bases) and the two non-parallel sides (legs).
Let the lengths of the sides be denoted as $a$, $b$, $c$, and $d$, where $a$ and $c$ are the lengths of the parallel sides and $b$ and $d$ are the legs.
- Use the perimeter formula for a trapezoid
The perimeter $P$ of a trapezoid is the sum of all its sides.
$$P = a + b + c + d$$
- Add the lengths together
Sum the values of $a$, $b$, $c$, and $d$ to find the perimeter.
For example, if $a = 5$ units, $b = 3$ units, $c = 7$ units, and $d = 4$ units:
$$P = 5 + 3 + 7 + 4 = 19 \text{ units}$$
The perimeter of a trapezoid is calculated by adding the lengths of all its sides.
More Information
The word 'trapezoid' comes from the Greek word 'trapeza', which means 'table', reflecting the shape's resemblance to a four-legged table.
Tips
A common mistake is to forget that all four sides must be added together. Make sure to double-check the lengths you have and that you include them all in your final sum.
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