The Smythe family lot - Math Central

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Question from Shrima, a student:

We must determine the size of the lot. The Smythe family lot is 235ft
across the front and 212ft down the side and 254ft down the other side.
The sides of the lot are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the front.
The size of the lot is two dimensional measure therefore you need to find
the area enclosed by the lot line.
Question:

What is the size of the Smythe lot including the unit?

Shrima,

The shape of the Smythe family lot is a trapezoid. In fact it is a special trapezoid since one side is perpendicular to the two parallel sides. Search the Quandaries and Queries database for the word trapezoid and see if you can find an expression for the area of a trapezoid.

If you need more help write back,
Penny

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