Answer :
Final answer:
The area of the trapezoid with top base 18 inches, bottom base 22 inches, and height 8.5 inches is calculated using the formula (1/2) × (base1 + base2) × height, resulting in an area of 170 square inches.
Explanation:
To calculate the area of the trapezoid, you can use the formula for the area of a trapezoid, which is A = (1/2) × (base1 + base2) × height. In this case, the top base (base1) is 18 inches, the bottom base (base2) is 22 inches, and the height is 8.5 inches.
Using the formula, we get:
A = (1/2) × (18 inches + 22 inches) × 8.5 inches
A = (1/2) × 40 inches × 8.5 inches
A = 20 inches × 8.5 inches
A = 170 square inches
So, the area of the trapezoid is 170 square inches.