I am having trouble understanding how you distribute the 1/2 in the formula for area of trapezoid. Instead, I multiply each varible in the formula individually. For example, I will work the problem like so:

24=3/2 + 1/2C * 6

The way I set it up is nothing like the way in the on demand lesson.

I don't understand why I have trouble setting up problems similar to these. Is there something I am doing wrong and what do I need to review to correct this?

I would appreciate any answers/comments! Thanks!

Here is the correct approach:

Area = A = (1/2)*h*(b1 + b2), where b1 and b2 are the bases (the parallel sides).

2A/h = b1 + b2
2A/h - b1 = b2

b2 = 2*24/6 - 3

=5

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