Why do we add bases of a trapezoid, while finding its area?
1 Answer
Bases of a trapezoid need to be added in the formula as for deriving the formula, we have split trapezium in two triangles with different bases but common height.
Explanation:
Let us consider the trapezium
We have joined
As area of a triangle is
but as it is a trapzeium, the base of two triangles are different and hence while
area of
area of
and therefore, area of trapezium is
or
Hence, bases of a trapezoid need to be added in the formula as for deriving the formula, we have split trapezium in two triangles with different bases but common height.