Lorena T.

asked • 03/23/22

Find diagonal length of trapezoid?

If M and N are the midpoints of the non-parallel sides of a trapezoid, it makes sense to call the segment MN the midline of the trapezoid. Parallel sides of a trapezoid have lengths 7 and 15. The length of midline of the trapezoid is 11. Notice that the midline is divided into two pieces by a diagonal of the trapezoid.

What are the lengths of these pieces?

Does it matter which diagonal is drawn?


Mark M.

Did you draw and label a diagram?
Report

03/23/22

Stanton D.

Hi Lorena T., Once you have done as Mark M. suggested, the rest is accomplished by dropping verticals and Pythagorean Theorem. Assume a symmetrical trapezoid for easy calculation!
Report

03/23/22

Lorena T.

I did draw and the trapezoid is not symmetrical. How can I use the Pythagorean Theorem when I have no length for non-parallel sides of trapezoid.
Report

03/23/22

Chandra M.

tutor
This can be a complicated problem. You have to consider a general case where the non-parallel sides are of unequal lengths. Unless you are given it is a special case like an isosceles trapezoid or one with a right angle in it. The 2 parallel sides can be any lengths apart (vertical length between them) - can be 5,100,200, 1000, anything. So the diagonals will vary in length. Do we have anymore info in the problem?
Report

03/23/22

1 Expert Answer

By:

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.