Basic Properties of Trapezoids

Trapezoids on the Brain

Trapezoids in Our World

It’s me, Trapezoid!

Take a good look; what do you see?My interior angles add up to 360°.

I have one set of parallel lines.

It’s me, Trapezoid!

What else do you notice?

Are you seeing triangles?

This trapezoid is made up of 5 congruent triangles –

Look closely…what patterns do you see?

Trapezoids can be formed using various combinations of shapes…

How many right triangles are used to build this trapezoid?

Can you think of a different way to divide a trapezoid into triangles?

Are you seeing triangles?

Calculate the area of this trapezoid,

or this one?

This trapezoid certainly looks less intimidating!

The Trapezoidal Prism: Because Life is not two-

dimensional!A handy application…

The Trapezoidal Prism: Because Life is not two-

dimensional!

Tempe Municipal Building, Arizona

Trapezoidal Prism?

Absolutely!

See for yourself:

1. Cut an elongated trapezoid out of a piece of paper:

2. Stick slanted edges of trapezoid together with tape

Who knew trapezoidal prisms could be ‘chic’ and functional?

The designer of this watch chose to use a trapezoidal prism on the outside of thiswatch face.

Why?

So the numbers are readable when looking straight

down!

Next time you walk into your house, take a look at the door and window

frames.

You’ve been living with trapezoids your whole life,

you just never knew it!