Consider the formula for the area of a trapezoid: A=12h(a+b) . Is it mathematically simpler to solve for a, b, or h? Why? Solve for each of these variables to demonstrate.
The variable "h" is the easiest to solve for. Because you only have one step. Let's review:
Divide each side of the equation by 12(a + b)
h = 12(a + b)/A
Solving for "a", we two steps. Divide each side by 12h:
A/12h = a + b
Subtract b from each side
a = A/12h - b
Solving for "b" takes two steps as well. Divide each side by 12h:
A/12h = a + b
Subtract a from each side
b = A/12h - a
The variable "h" is the easiest to solve for. Because you only have one step. Let's review:
Divide each side of the equation by 12(a + b)
h = 12(a + b)/A
Solving for "a", we two steps. Divide each side by 12h:
A/12h = a + b
Subtract b from each side
a = A/12h - b
Solving for "b" takes two steps as well. Divide each side by 12h:
A/12h = a + b
Subtract a from each side
b = A/12h - a