The area of trapezoid is h( b1+b2)/5,

where h is the altitude, and b1 and b2 are the lenghts of the parallel bases. If trapezoid has an altitude of 5 inches, an area of 55 square inches , and one base 12 inches long, what is the lenghth, in inches, of its other base?

Please for some sugesstions.

A=h( b1+b2)/2,

h=5
b=12
A=55
=>
55=5(12+b2)/2

Solve for b2.

To find the length of the other base of the trapezoid, we can use the given formula for the area of a trapezoid and substitute the known values.

Given:
Altitude (h) = 5 inches
Area = 55 square inches
Base 1 (b1) = 12 inches

The formula for the area of a trapezoid is A = (h * (b1 + b2)) / 2.

Substituting the given values, we have:
55 = (5 * (12 + b2)) / 2

To solve for b2, we can simplify the equation as follows:

Multiply both sides of the equation by 2 to eliminate the fraction:
110 = 5 * (12 + b2)

Distribute 5 on the right side of the equation:
110 = 60 + 5b2

Subtract 60 from both sides of the equation:
50 = 5b2

Divide both sides of the equation by 5 to isolate b2:
10 = b2

Therefore, the length of the other base (b2) is 10 inches.

To summarize, the suggested steps to find the length of the other base are:
1. Use the formula for the area of a trapezoid: A = (h * (b1 + b2)) / 2.
2. Substitute the given values into the formula: 55 = (5 * (12 + b2)) / 2.
3. Simplify the equation and solve for b2: 10 = b2.
Hence, the length of the other base is 10 inches.