1. What is the Trapezoid Height Formula?

The height of a trapezoid can be calculated when you know the lengths of the two parallel bases (b1 and b2) and one of the non-parallel sides (leg). This formula is derived from the Pythagorean theorem.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the trapezoid height formula:

Where:

• \( h \) — Height of the trapezoid (m)
• \( leg \) — Length of the non-parallel side (m)
• \( b1 \) — Length of the first parallel base (m)
• \( b2 \) — Length of the second parallel base (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the height by treating the difference between the two bases as part of a right triangle formed by the leg and the height.

3. Importance of Height Calculation

Details: Knowing the height of a trapezoid is essential for calculating its area, which is given by: \( Area = \frac{(b1 + b2)}{2} \times h \).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all lengths in the same units (meters shown here). All values must be positive numbers. The leg length must be greater than half the absolute difference between the two bases.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my trapezoid doesn't have equal legs?
A: This formula works when you know one leg length and both bases. For unequal legs, you would need different information to calculate the height.

Q2: Can I use this for right trapezoids?
A: Yes, for right trapezoids the height is simply the length of the side perpendicular to the bases.

Q3: What units should I use?
A: You can use any units as long as all measurements are in the same units. The calculator defaults to meters.

Q4: Why does my calculation result in an error?
A: This happens when the leg length is too short to connect the two bases at that height. Check your measurements.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically exact, assuming precise measurements of the bases and leg.