Properties of Trapezoids

1. Trapezoids
Euclidean Geometry
High School
Math Online

2. Definition
 A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with exactly
one pair of parallel opposite sides.

3. Parts of a Trapezoid
 The parallel sides are called the bases.
 The nonparallel sides are called the legs.
leg
leg
base
base

4. Isosceles Trapezoid
 Definition: A trapezoid with congruent legs

5. Properties of Isosceles Trapezoid
 Each pair of base angles is congruent
 Diagonals are congruent

6. Median of a Trapezoid
 A segment joining the midpoints of the
legs
 Length of the median is equal to ½ times
the sum of the bases

7. Area of a Trapezoid
 Area = ½h (b1 + b2)
 H = height of the trapezoid
 B1 = one of the bases
 B2 = the other base