Question

what is the area?
3 cm
6 cm
5 cm
square centimeters

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the formula for the area of a trapezoid

The formula for the area of a trapezoid is $A = \frac{(a + b)}{2} \times h$, where $a$ and $b$ are the lengths of the two parallel sides (bases), and $h$ is the height (the perpendicular distance between the bases).

Step2: Identify the values of $a$, $b$, and $h$

From the diagram, the two parallel sides (bases) are $a = 3$ cm and $b = 5$ cm, and the height $h = 6$ cm.

Step3: Substitute the values into the formula

Substitute $a = 3$, $b = 5$, and $h = 6$ into the formula: $A = \frac{(3 + 5)}{2} \times 6$.
First, calculate the sum of the bases: $3 + 5 = 8$.
Then, divide by 2: $\frac{8}{2} = 4$.
Finally, multiply by the height: $4 \times 6 = 24$.

Answer:

24