Do shapes look interesting to you? Does their calculation seem fun to you? Calculation of the circle or rectangle area was the most fun part for me. Geometry is one of the main sub-field of mathematics and physics from high school to post-graduate research. It is needed for the fields of architecture and other important sub-fields. 

A trapezoid is a shape different from the square. One needs to understand that advanced calculus and geometry deals with it. It is a flat shape with 4 straight sides and a pair of parallel sides which are opposite. These sides are termed as bases. Apart from the bases, other sides are known as legs.

Etymology of Trapezoid

Since 1570 trapezium has been used in English. It is derived from late Latin trapezium. Marinus Proclus (412 to 485 AD) used this term in his commentary in the first book of Euclid's Elements. 

Canada and the United States use this term for the article. This word is also used by many other languages. It is a parallelogram but with different dimensions. Its formula is only somewhat different from that of a rectangle or parallelogram. 

I'm sure you will enjoy calculating its area. It only seems difficult unless you don’t have a full grip on it. After that, you will enjoy it unless you are doing it correctly. So read the problem and data twice before solving your question or numerical. It will solve half of your problem at that time.

Formula

Let's look at the trapezoid area formula:

Area = h · (b1 + b2 ) / 2

where

b1, b2 are the lengths of each base

h is the altitude (height)

Bases, in this case, are the two perpendicular sides of the trapezoid. Now the perpendicular distance between two bases is known as the altitude of the trapezoid

Example

Find the area of the trapezoid whose height is 5cm and the length of b1 is 4 cm while b2 is 8 cm.

Apply the formula:

b1=4cm

B2=8cm and h=5cm

Area=5(4+8)=5(12)=60 cm/2

This is the area of the trapezoid. One has to just remember the formula by heart and it will be very easy to solve the problems. Another task is to just put the values in it and you will obtain the result in just a few seconds.

Sometimes it is difficult to calculate the trapezoid area of different figures. You can use an online trapezoid area calculator which makes it very easy to calculate the area of several different trapezoids. In these calculators you have to enter the data and boom within a few seconds you have your result with the units given along with the result. It is more like a digital calculator which makes your life easy and saves you a lot of time.

Importance of these figures

Every figure has its importance in the field of mathematics. Trapezoids like other figures need to be addressed and pointed out in the science and physics field. If you are an architect and are designing a building then this figure will make you complete your project. It will make you do it properly.

Geometry foundations and derivations are based on these simple figures including trapezoids. So to have the complete trigonometric and geometric knowledge these concepts need to be very clear. Otherwise, guys, you are going to be in great trouble.

Another very important topic in geometry is the Rectangle area. As it also deals with the area and all the calculations related to it. Indeed it is an interesting topic and once you learn the calculations or the concepts, it becomes easy for you to master this specific topic. One can also use a Rectangle area calculator to learn about its calculations.

It is a special type of parallelogram. In higher mathematics such as calculus use this figure very often. I hope this article has helped you clear your doubts related to trapezoid and its area calculation.