Area
Introduction
In this section, we will learn how to find the area of triangles, trapezoids and other parallelograms. We will also learn how to find the height of these shapes. The basic equation for area is a = bh ("b" being base and "h" being height) all equations to follow are essentially based off this.
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Finding the height of a triangle + Trapezoid
To find the height of a triangle, generally, it will be labelled with "h" going from the base to the top vertex. When not available, you can use a couple different equations. Pythagorean theorem, in my opinion, is the best equation to use but you do need two side lengths and a right angle
Area of triangles
To find the area of a triangle you have to do the equation 1/2 bh. This equation is one-half the base multiplied by the height. We know this because a triangle is 1/2 of a square/rectangle.
Finding the area of a trapezoid
To find the area of a trapezoid, one must do the equation A= the sum of base 1 and base 2 divided by two. Multiplied by the height. Base 1 is the bottom base and base 2 is the top base.
Finding the Area of a Parallelogream
When finding the area of a parallelogram, you use the equation A=bh since it is essentially a square/rectangle, just transformed. The height of the parallelogram runs from the bottom base to the top base and you just use the base measurement. Ex. Base = 2 height = 5...... A = bh, = 2 x 5. A= 10
All shapes are made up of triangles
All shapes are made up of triangles. For example, an equilateral square is made up of two right triangles. It's why in the equation to find the area of a triangle, it uses 1/2 the bh. If one just calculated the area of a square it would be (b)(h) but since a square is made up of two right triangles, it's 1/2