Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Let x represent the length of the shorter base in inches. Then the longer base has length x+6. The area of the trapezoid is given by the formula ...
A = (1/2)(b1 +b2)h
Filling in the values we know, we have ...
48 = (1/2)(x +(x+6))(6)
16 = 2x +6 . . . . . divide by 3
10 = 2x . . . . . . . . subtract 6
5 = x . . . . . . . . . . divide by 2
(x+6) = 11 . . . . . . find the longer base
The lengths of the bases are 5 inches and 11 inches. We found them by solving an equation relating area to base length.
