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Evaluate the slope of each side using the Slope Formula.
Recall that parallel lines have the same slope.
Recall the Trapezoid Midsegment Theorem.
Trapezoid, non-isosceles. For explanation see solution.
No, see solution.
7.5 units
Let's begin with recalling the Slope Formula.
m=y_2-y_1/x_2-x_1 In this formula, (x_1,y_1) and (x_2,y_2) are points on the line or segment. Using this formula, we can evaluate the slope of each side of a quadrilateral.
Substitute values
a-(- b)=a+b
Add and subtract terms
We will find the slopes of the rest of sides in the same way. Let's recall that if the lines or segments are parallel, they have the same slope.
| Side | Points | Slope Formula | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB | ( -3, 2) & ( 1,3) | 3- 2/1-( -3) | m_(AB)=1/4 |
| BC | ( 1, 3) & ( 5, ) | - 3/5- 1 | m_(BC)=3/4 |
| CD | ( 5, 0) & ( 5,-4) | -4- 0/5- 5 | Undefined |
| DA | ( 5, -4) & ( -3,2) | 2-( -4)/-3- 5 | m_(DA)=3/4 |
Since m_(AB)=m_(DA), segments AB and DA are parallel. This means that this quadrilateral is a trapezoid, as it has one pair of opposite parallel sides. To determine if this trapezoid is isosceles, we need to check if its legs are congruent. We can use the Distance Formula. MN=sqrt((x_N-x_M)^2+(y_N-y_M)^2) Let's evaluate this formula for AB and CD.
| Segment | Points | Distance Formula | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB | ( -3, 2) & ( 1,3) | sqrt(( 1-( -3))^2+(3- 2)^2) | AB=sqrt(17) |
| CD | ( 5, 0) & ( 5,-4) | sqrt(( 5- 5)^2+(-4- 0)^2) | CD=4 |
Since legs of this trapezoid have different measures, trapezoid ABCD is not isosceles.
According to the Trapezoid Midsegment Theorem, the midsegment is parallel to both bases of a trapezoid. As we recalled in Part A, parallel segments have the same slope. Let's take a look at the given equation.
We will begin with recalling the Trapezoid Midsegment Theorem. This theorem tells us that if x is the midsegment of a trapezoid, then this midsegment is parallel to both bases of this figure, and x is the mean of the lengths of the bases of the trapezoid. Let's call the bases a and b.
x=1/2(a+b)
| Segment | Points | Distance Formula | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC | ( 1, 3) & ( 5, ) | sqrt(( 5- 1)^2+( - 3)^2) | BC=5 |
| AD | ( -3, 2) & ( 5,-4) | sqrt(( 5-( -3))^2+(-4- 2)^2) | AD=10 |
Now, as we know the lengths of the bases, we can evaluate the length of the midsegment of this trapezoid. Let's substitute 5 for a and 10 for b in the formula.
a= 5, b= 10
Add terms
a/c* b = a* b/c
Calculate quotient
The length of the midsegment is 7.5 units.