Area
The area of an isosceles (or any) trapezoid is equal to the average of the lengths of the base and top (the parallel sides) times the height. In the diagram to the right, if we write AD = a, and BC = b, and the height h is the length of a line segment between AD and BC that is perpendicular to them, then the area K is given as follows:
If instead of the height of the trapezoid, the length of the leg AB = c is known, then the area can be computed using the formula
- ,
where is the semiperimeter of the trapezoid. This formula is analogous to Heron's formula to compute the area of a triangle. The previous formula for area can also be written as
Read more about this topic: Isosceles Trapezoid
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—Administration in the State of Texa, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)
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—Bettina Arndt (20th century)