Section 5-5

Trapezoids
Goal
1. Apply the definitions and identify the properties of a
trapezoid and an isosceles trapezoid.
Trapezoid
A quadrilateral with exactly one pair of parallel sides, called bases.
The other sides are called legs.

Base
g

Le
Le

g
Base
Isosceles Trapezoid
A trapezoid with congruent legs.

Both pairs of base angles are congruent as well.

Theorem 5-18
Base angles of an isosceles trapezoid are congruent.
The Median of a Trapezoid
The segment that joins the midpoints of the legs.
Median of a Triangle
A segment from a vertex to midpoint of the opposite side.

med
nia
Theorem 5-19
The median of a trapezoid
1. is parallel to the bases
2. has a length equal to the average of the base lengths.
 Find the value of x
7 7
x
–
3
10

2x 6
–
4
20  3x  7
20  2 x  4  x  3
27  3x 6

9 x