Trapezoids - PSAT Math

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Question

A trapezoid has a base of length 4, another base of length s, and a height of length s. A square has sides of length s. What is the value of s such that the area of the trapezoid and the area of the square are equal?

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Answer

In general, the formula for the area of a trapezoid is (1/2)(a + b)(h), where a and b are the lengths of the bases, and h is the length of the height. Thus, we can write the area for the trapezoid given in the problem as follows:

area of trapezoid = (1/2)(4 + s)(s)

Similarly, the area of a square with sides of length a is given by _a_2. Thus, the area of the square given in the problem is _s_2.

We now can set the area of the trapezoid equal to the area of the square and solve for s.

(1/2)(4 + s)(s) = _s_2

Multiply both sides by 2 to eliminate the 1/2.

(4 + s)(s) = 2_s_2

Distribute the s on the left.

4_s_ + _s_2 = 2_s_2

Subtract _s_2 from both sides.

4_s_ = _s_2

Because s must be a positive number, we can divide both sides by s.

4 = s

This means the value of s must be 4.

The answer is 4.

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