Exploring the area of a trapezoid

a
b a

h
b

Can you turn this into a shape you already know? Use this to work out the area of the trapezoid.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Make a trapezoid out of paper. Cut it in half as in the diagram above Arrange the pieces into a shape you already know. You wont need to make any more cuts Glue down the pieces on this sheet Can you work out the area now?

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Exploring the area of a trapezoid

a
b a

h
b

Can you turn this into a shape you already know? Use this to work out the area of the trapezoid.

____
So the area of the trapezoid must be:

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