Mathematics ACT Aspire Practice Test

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Study for the Mathematics ACT Aspire Test. Master concepts through a mix of questions. Dive into explanations and hints for a thorough understanding. Elevate your test readiness!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What formula is used to calculate the area of a trapezoid?

Area = base1 * base2
Area = height * (base1 + base2)
Area = height * (base1 + base2) / 2
Area = base * height

The correct answer is: Area = height * (base1 + base2) / 2

The formula for calculating the area of a trapezoid involves taking the average of the two bases and multiplying it by the height of the trapezoid. Specifically, this is represented as: Area = (base1 + base2) / 2 * height. This formula works because a trapezoid can be thought of as a shape that has two parallel sides (the bases) and a height that is the perpendicular distance between these bases. By adding the lengths of the two bases together and then dividing by two, you find the average length of the bases. Multiplying this average by the height gives you the total area of the trapezoid. In the choices provided, the correct formulation reflects this method, ensuring that both the bases’ values and the height are considered. Other options do not accurately represent the calculation process needed to find the area of a trapezoid. For instance, simply multiplying the bases or using the height without the correct averaging will not yield the correct area.