One base of the trapezoid is 12 cm larger than the other. The middle line of the trapezoid is 14 cm.

One base of the trapezoid is 12 cm larger than the other. The middle line of the trapezoid is 14 cm. Calculate the larger base of the trapezoid.

Given:

ABCD – trapezoid.

ВС, АD – trapezoid bases.

ОS – the middle line of the trapezoid.

OS = 14 cm.

To find:

ВС, АD -? cm.

To solve this problem, we will use the theorem about the middle line of a trapezoid, according to which: the middle line of a trapezoid is parallel to the bases and is equal to their half-sum.

Thus, we get:

OS = (AD + BC): 2.

(AD + BC): 2 = 14.

Let the length of the BC base be x cm, then the AD base length is (x + 12) cm.

(x + (x + 12)): 2 = 14.

(x + x + 12): 2 = 14.

(2x + 12): 2 = 14.

2x + 12 = 14 x 2.

2x + 12 = 28.

2x = 28 – 12.

2x = 16.

x = 16: 2.

x = 8 (cm) – BC base length.

Then the length of the base АD is equal to: 8 + 12 = 20 (cm).

Answer: the length of the larger base of the trapezoid is 20 cm.



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