Calculate Trapezoid Perimeter: Inside an Isosceles Triangle with Height 8

To find the perimeter of the trapezoid, all its sides must be added:

We will focus on finding the bases.

To find GF we use the Pythagorean theorem: $A^2+B^2=C^2$in the triangle AFG

We replace

$3^2+GF^2=5^2$

We isolate GF and solve:

$9+GF^2=25$

$GF^2=25-9=16$

$GF=4$

We perform the same process with the side DB of the triangle ABD:

$8^2+DB^2=17^2$

$64+DB^2=289$

$DB^2=289-64=225$

$DB=15$

We start by finding FB:

$FB=AB-AF=17-5=12$

Now we reveal EF and CB:

$GF=GE=4$

$DB=DC=15$

This is because in an isosceles triangle, the height divides the base into two equal parts so:

$EF=GF\times2=4\times2=8$

$CB=DB\times2=15\times2=30$

All that's left is to calculate:

$30+8+12\times2=30+8+24=62$