To find the area of a trapezoid, you can follow these steps:
1. Identify the given values:
- [tex]\( b_1 = 11 \)[/tex] cm (length of the first base)
- [tex]\( b_2 = 7 \)[/tex] cm (length of the second base)
- [tex]\( h = 5 \)[/tex] cm (height of the trapezoid)
2. Write the formula for the area of a trapezoid:
[tex]\[
A = \frac{(b_1 + b_2)}{2} \cdot h
\][/tex]
3. Substitute the given values into the formula:
[tex]\[
A = \frac{(11 + 7)}{2} \cdot 5
\][/tex]
4. Simplify the expression inside the parentheses:
[tex]\[
A = \frac{18}{2} \cdot 5
\][/tex]
5. Divide 18 by 2:
[tex]\[
A = 9 \cdot 5
\][/tex]
6. Multiply 9 by 5:
[tex]\[
A = 45
\][/tex]
Therefore, the area of the trapezoid is [tex]\( 45 \)[/tex] cm².
