Use the image to answer the question.
<"An illustration shows a right trapezoid. The bottom left and top left vertices form right angles. The top side measures 3 meters; the bottom side measures 6 meters; the left side measures 4 meters, and the right side measures 5 meters. "/>
What is the area of the trapezoid? ___ m2
The area of a trapezoid is given by the formula:
Area = (1/2) * (sum of the lengths of the two parallel sides) * (height)
In this case, the sum of the lengths of the two parallel sides is 3 + 6 = 9 meters. The height of the trapezoid can be found by drawing a perpendicular line from the top right vertex to the bottom side, creating a right triangle with legs of 4 meters and 5 meters. Using the Pythagorean theorem, the height is √(5^2 - 3^2) = √16 = 4 meters.
Therefore, the area of the trapezoid is:
Area = (1/2) * 9 * 4 = 18 square meters
So, the area of the trapezoid is 18 m².