Math Problem Statement

The following figure is made of [2] triangles. A quadrilateral with one pair of parallel sides. The base lengths are 5 units and 10 units. The height is 3 units. A dashed line from opposite vertices creates two triangles, labeled A and B. Triangle A has a base of 5 units and a height of 3 units. Triangle B has a base of 10 units and a height of 3 units. [5] [10] [3] Find the area of each part of the figure and the whole figure. Figure Area (square units) Triangle A Triangle B Whole figure

Solution

Let's calculate the areas of Triangle A, Triangle B, and the whole figure.

Step 1: Area of Triangle A

The formula for the area of a triangle is:

Area=12×base×height\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}

For Triangle A:

  • Base = 5 units
  • Height = 3 units

Area of Triangle A=12×5×3=152=7.5square units\text{Area of Triangle A} = \frac{1}{2} \times 5 \times 3 = \frac{15}{2} = 7.5 \, \text{square units}

Step 2: Area of Triangle B

Similarly, for Triangle B:

  • Base = 10 units
  • Height = 3 units

Area of Triangle B=12×10×3=302=15square units\text{Area of Triangle B} = \frac{1}{2} \times 10 \times 3 = \frac{30}{2} = 15 \, \text{square units}

Step 3: Total Area of the Whole Figure (Trapezoid)

The original figure is a trapezoid with:

  • Bases = 5 units and 10 units
  • Height = 3 units

The formula for the area of a trapezoid is:

Area of Trapezoid=12×(Base1+Base2)×Height\text{Area of Trapezoid} = \frac{1}{2} \times (\text{Base}_1 + \text{Base}_2) \times \text{Height}

Area of Trapezoid=12×(5+10)×3=12×15×3=452=22.5square units\text{Area of Trapezoid} = \frac{1}{2} \times (5 + 10) \times 3 = \frac{1}{2} \times 15 \times 3 = \frac{45}{2} = 22.5 \, \text{square units}

Step 4: Confirming the Whole Area

Notice that the whole figure is composed of two triangles, A and B:

  • Area of Triangle A = 7.5 square units
  • Area of Triangle B = 15 square units

The sum of their areas:

7.5+15=22.5square units7.5 + 15 = 22.5 \, \text{square units}

This matches the area of the trapezoid, confirming our calculations are consistent.


Final Answer

FigureArea (square units)
Triangle A7.5
Triangle B15
Whole figure22.5

Would you like more details or further clarifications?


5 Related Questions:

  1. How do you derive the formula for the area of a trapezoid?
  2. What other ways can a trapezoid be divided into smaller shapes?
  3. How does changing the height of a trapezoid affect its area?
  4. Can you generalize the solution for any trapezoid with unknown base lengths?
  5. What happens to the area if the triangles overlap slightly?

Tip:

When working with composite figures, it's helpful to solve for individual parts to verify the total area systematically.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Triangles
Trapezoids
Area Calculation

Formulas

Area of a triangle: (1/2) × base × height
Area of a trapezoid: (1/2) × (Base1 + Base2) × height

Theorems

Basic properties of triangles and trapezoids

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8