Perimeter of a Trapezoid Practice Problems with Solutions

Master trapezoid perimeter calculations with step-by-step practice problems. Learn formulas, solve missing side problems, and build confidence in geometry.

📚Master Trapezoid Perimeter Calculations
  • Calculate perimeter by adding all four sides of any trapezoid
  • Find missing side lengths when given the total perimeter
  • Apply Pythagorean theorem to complex trapezoid problems
  • Solve algebraic equations with variables in trapezoid sides
  • Work with isosceles trapezoids and their special properties
  • Connect trapezoid perimeter to real-world geometric applications

Understanding Perimeter of a Trapezoid

Complete explanation with examples

Perimeter of a trapezoid

The trapezoid is a quadrilateral defined as having 2 parallel opposite sides. The calculation of the perimeter of the trapezoid is solved using a very simple formula that we will see below: all sides are added together. This type of questions can appear in tests of the first and second level in the first years of high school and also in final exams of level 3, 4 and 5 for the graduation of the secondary cycle.

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Detailed explanation

Practice Perimeter of a Trapezoid

Test your knowledge with 12 quizzes

What is the length of side AD given that the perimeter of the trapezoid is equal to 42 cm?

141414777121212DDDAAABBBCCC

Examples with solutions for Perimeter of a Trapezoid

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

Calculate the perimeter of the trapezoid according to the following data:

777101010777121212AAABBBCCCDDD

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll calculate the perimeter of the trapezoid by summing the lengths of all its sides. The steps are as follows:

  • List the lengths of the sides: the bases are 1010 and 1212, and the two non-parallel sides are each 77.
  • Apply the perimeter formula for a trapezoid: P=a+b+c+d P = a + b + c + d .
  • Substitute the given values into the formula: P=10+12+7+7 P = 10 + 12 + 7 + 7 .
  • Calculate the sum: P=10+12+7+7=36 P = 10 + 12 + 7 + 7 = 36 .

Therefore, the perimeter of the trapezoid is 36 36 .

This matches the correct answer choice from the provided options.

Answer:

36

Video Solution
Exercise #2

Calculate the perimeter of the trapezoid below:

101010111111555101010

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll calculate the perimeter of the trapezoid by summing the lengths of its sides:

  • Step 1: Identify the side lengths of the trapezoid:
    Top side =10 = 10 , Bottom side =5 = 5 , Left side =10 = 10 , Right side =11 = 11 .
  • Step 2: Apply the perimeter formula:
    The formula for the perimeter P P of a trapezoid is P=a+b+c+d P = a + b + c + d .
  • Step 3: Perform the calculations:
    Substitute the given lengths into the formula:
    P=10+5+10+11=36 P = 10 + 5 + 10 + 11 = 36 .

Therefore, the perimeter of the trapezoid is 36 36 .

Answer:

36

Exercise #3

Calculate the perimeter of the trapezoid below:

161616161616111151515

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Identify the given side lengths of the trapezoid.
  • Apply the formula for the perimeter of a trapezoid.
  • Perform the addition of all side lengths to calculate the perimeter.

Let's work through each step:

Step 1: Identify the given side lengths. The trapezoid has:

  • Top base: a=16 a = 16
  • Bottom base: b=1 b = 1
  • Non-parallel side: c=15 c = 15
  • Other non-parallel side: d=16 d = 16

Step 2: We'll use the formula for the perimeter of a trapezoid:

P=a+b+c+d P = a + b + c + d

Step 3: Plug in the values and perform the calculation:

P=16+1+15+16 P = 16 + 1 + 15 + 16

P=48 P = 48

Therefore, the perimeter of the trapezoid is 48 48 .

Answer:

48

Exercise #4

Calculate the perimeter of the trapezoid below:

999555121212444

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the given side lengths of the trapezoid.
  • Step 2: Use the perimeter formula for a trapezoid, which is the sum of the lengths of its sides.
  • Step 3: Perform the necessary addition to compute the perimeter.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The trapezoid has side lengths of 99, 55, 1212, and 44.
Step 2: The formula for the perimeter PP of a trapezoid is:
P=side1+side2+side3+side4 P = \text{side}_1 + \text{side}_2 + \text{side}_3 + \text{side}_4
Step 3: Plugging in the values, we compute:
P=9+5+12+4 P = 9 + 5 + 12 + 4
Step 4: Calculating the sum:
P=30 P = 30

Therefore, the perimeter of the trapezoid is 3030.

Answer:

30

Exercise #5

What is the perimeter of the trapezoid in the figure?

7.57.57.54441.51.51.5333

Step-by-Step Solution

To find the perimeter of the trapezoid, we will sum the lengths of all its sides. The given side lengths are:

  • Base 1: 7.5 7.5
  • Base 2: 1.5 1.5
  • Leg 1: 3 3
  • Leg 2: 4 4

Using the formula for the perimeter P P of the trapezoid, we have:

P=a+b+c+d P = a + b + c + d

Substituting in the given values:

P=7.5+1.5+3+4 P = 7.5 + 1.5 + 3 + 4

Performing the addition:

P=7.5+1.5=9 P = 7.5 + 1.5 = 9

P=9+3=12 P = 9 + 3 = 12

P=12+4=16 P = 12 + 4 = 16

Therefore, the perimeter of the trapezoid is 16 16 .

Answer:

16

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the formula for finding the perimeter of a trapezoid?

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The perimeter of a trapezoid is found by adding all four sides: P = a + b + c + d, where a, b, c, and d represent the lengths of each side. This simple addition formula works for any trapezoid, regardless of whether it's isosceles, scalene, or right-angled.

How do you find a missing side when you know the trapezoid's perimeter?

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To find a missing side, subtract the sum of the known sides from the total perimeter. For example, if the perimeter is 30 and three sides are 7, 5, and 10, then the missing side = 30 - (7 + 5 + 10) = 8 units.

What's the difference between trapezoid perimeter and area formulas?

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Perimeter measures the distance around the trapezoid by adding all sides (P = a + b + c + d). Area measures the space inside using the formula A = (b₁ + b₂) × h ÷ 2, where b₁ and b₂ are the parallel bases and h is the height.

Do I need to know which sides are parallel to find the perimeter?

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No, you don't need to identify the parallel sides (bases) to calculate perimeter. Simply add all four side lengths together. The parallel sides are only important when calculating area or working with specific trapezoid properties.

How do you solve trapezoid perimeter problems with variables?

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Set up an equation where the sum of all sides equals the given perimeter. For example, if sides are 6, x, x+1, and 10 with perimeter 26, write: 6 + x + (x+1) + 10 = 26. Solve by combining like terms: 2x + 17 = 26, so x = 4.5.

When do you use the Pythagorean theorem in trapezoid perimeter problems?

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Use the Pythagorean theorem when you need to find the length of a non-parallel side (leg) and you know the height and horizontal distance. This often occurs in right trapezoids or when trapezoids are parts of rectangles or triangles.

What are common mistakes students make with trapezoid perimeter?

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Common mistakes include: 1) Confusing perimeter and area formulas, 2) Only adding the parallel sides instead of all four sides, 3) Forgetting to include units in the final answer, 4) Not properly setting up equations when solving for missing sides.

How is trapezoid perimeter used in real-world applications?

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Trapezoid perimeter calculations are used in construction for calculating fencing around trapezoidal plots, determining trim lengths for trapezoidal windows, measuring borders for landscaping projects, and calculating material needs for trapezoidal roof sections or building foundations.

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