Trapezoid

A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with at least one pair of parallel sides. The parallel sides are called the bases of the trapezoid, while the non-parallel sides are called the legs.

Properties of a Trapezoid

1. Parallel Sides: A trapezoid has exactly one pair of parallel sides.
2. Base Angles: The angles formed by each base and a leg are called the base angles. Each base has two base angles.
3. Height: The perpendicular distance between the two bases is called the height of the trapezoid.
4. Median: The segment that joins the midpoints of the non-parallel sides of a trapezoid is called the median.
5. Area: The area of a trapezoid can be calculated using the formula:
   Area = (1/2) * height * (sum of bases)

Types of Trapezoids

Trapezoids can be categorized into different types based on their properties:

• Isosceles Trapezoid: An isosceles trapezoid has two non-parallel sides of equal length, making the base angles congruent.
• Right Trapezoid: A right trapezoid has one right angle among its four angles.
• Scalene Trapezoid: A trapezoid with no sides of equal length is called a scalene trapezoid.

Practice Questions

1. Find the area of a trapezoid with bases of length 8 cm and 12 cm, and a height of 5 cm.
2. If the base angles of a trapezoid are 45° each, what type of trapezoid is it?
3. Draw an isosceles trapezoid with a base length of 10 units and a leg length of 6 units.