MathGoldMedalist
Sign InRegister

Trapezoid Strategy: Draw the Altitudes

Idea · Beginner

Geometry: Plane Geometry

Trapezoid with altitudes drawn from the endpoints of the shorter base

When working with a trapezoid, drawing the altitudes creates right triangles and often simplifies the problem.

Isosceles trapezoid with altitudes and equal horizontal segments
x=CD−AB2 x=\frac{CD-AB}{2}
Back to Toolkit