isosceles trapezoid has a perimeter of 72.4 inches. Its shorter base measures 14.7 inches and its longer base measures 18.5 inches. The two remaining sides have the same length; what is that length?

Answer 1

Hi Asher,

Let's say x = length of each remaining side

Perimeter of a trapezoid = sum of ALL four sides = side 1 + side 2 + side 3 + side 4 = 14.7 + 18.5 + x + x

72.4 = 14.7 + 18.5 + 2x

72.4 = 33.2 + 2x

Subtract 33.2 from both sides: 39.2 = 2x

Divide both sides by 2: 19.6 = x

Check your work: 14.7 + 18.5 + 19.6 + 19.6 = 72.4 which is the perimeter of the trapezoid.

------> the two remaining sides each have a length of 19.6 inches