A trapezoid has an altitude of 12 cm. Its parallel sides measure 10 and 8 cm, respectively. What is it's area?
A = (a + b)/2 * h
A = (18/2) * 12
A = 108 sq. cm
To find the area of a trapezoid, you need to know the length of its parallel sides (also known as bases) and the length of its altitude (also known as height).
In this case, the trapezoid has a height (altitude) of 12 cm and parallel sides that measure 10 cm and 8 cm.
The formula to calculate the area of a trapezoid is:
Area = (1/2) * (base1 + base2) * height
Let's substitute the given values into the formula:
Area = (1/2) * (10 cm + 8 cm) * 12 cm
Area = (1/2) * 18 cm * 12 cm
Area = 9 cm * 12 cm
Area = 108 cm^2
Therefore, the area of the trapezoid is 108 square centimeters.