The middle line of the trapezoid is 16 cm. Find the bases of the trapezoid if they are 3: 5.

Since the length of the middle line of the trapezoid is half the sum of its bases, the length of which is 3: 5, we express it as follows:
3x – the length of the smaller base of the BC;
5x – the length of the greater base of the blood pressure;
(3x + 5x) / 2 = 16;
3x + 5x = 16 2 = 32;
8x = 32;
x = 32/8 = 4;
BC = 3 4 = 12;
AD = 5 4 = 20.
Answer: the bases of the trapezoid are 12 cm and 20 cm.