Buzz
A trapezoid is a convex quadrilateral with two parallel sides known as the base. The remaining sides are the lateral sides. Similar to other quadrilaterals, the process of finding the area and perimeter of a trapezoid is quite straightforward. Let's explore the simple calculation method in this article.
How is the perimeter of a trapezoid calculated?
Simple and Memorable Formula for Trapezoid Perimeter
- General Formula:
P = a + b + c + d
Where:
P represents the perimeter
a, b denote the two bases of the trapezoid
c, d are the lateral sides of the trapezoid
- In words: The perimeter of a trapezoid is the sum of the lengths of its two bases and two lateral sides.
* Exercise: Calculate the perimeter of the trapezoid, given:
a) Larger base = 12 cm; Smaller base = 10 cm; Lateral sides = 7 cm and 8 cm respectively
b) Larger base = 10.3 dm; Smaller base = 7.8 dm; Lateral sides = 4.5 dm and 6 dm respectively.
c) Larger base = 7 m, Smaller base = 5 m; Lateral sides = 3 m and 4 m respectively
d) Larger base = 8 cm; Smaller base is half of the larger base; Lateral sides = 6 cm and 7 cm respectively
* Suggested Exercise Solution:
a) Perimeter of the trapezoid is: 12 + 10 + 7 + 8 = 27 (cm)
b) Perimeter of the trapezoid is: 10.3 + 7.8 + 4.5 + 6 = 28.6 (dm)
How many special types of trapezoids are there? What are they?
* There are 2 special types of trapezoids:
- Right Trapezoid: A trapezoid with one lateral side forming a right angle with the two bases, and that side serves as the height of the right trapezoid.
=> Signs to identify a right trapezoid:
+ The trapezoid has a right angle.
- Isosceles Trapezoid: Another special case of a trapezoid, where two adjacent angles at one base are equal.
=> Signs to identify an isosceles trapezoid:
+ Trapezoid has diagonals of equal length
+ Trapezoid has two non-parallel lateral sides of equal length
+ Trapezoid has two symmetrical axes of its bases coinciding.
Calculating the perimeter of a trapezoid is indeed simple and easy to learn, isn't it? You can also refer to how to calculate the area of a rectangle, considered as a special trapezoid, in our next article to enhance and complete your knowledge.
It's essential for you to review and master the knowledge of quadrilateral area formulas, which is a fundamental concept you shouldn't forget.
A trapezoid has 4 sides, while a triangle has 3 sides. Due to this difference, the method for calculating the perimeter of a trapezoid and a triangle varies. You can refer to how to calculate the perimeter of a triangle here.
