Difference between revisions of "Trapezoid"
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A '''trapezoid''' is a geometric figure that lies in a plane. Trapezoids are characterized by having one pair of [[parallel]] sides. In general it is probably safe to assume that "one pair" means "exactly one pair," so that [[parallelogram]]s are not also trapezoids. However, it is not clear that this is a universal [[mathematical convention]]. | A '''trapezoid''' is a geometric figure that lies in a plane. Trapezoids are characterized by having one pair of [[parallel]] sides. In general it is probably safe to assume that "one pair" means "exactly one pair," so that [[parallelogram]]s are not also trapezoids. However, it is not clear that this is a universal [[mathematical convention]]. | ||
| − | The two parallel sides of the trapezoid are referred to as the ''bases'' of the trapezoid; the other two sides are called the ''legs''. If the two legs of a trapezoid have equal length, we say it is an [[isosceles trapezoid]]. | + | The two [[parallel]] sides of the trapezoid are referred to as the ''bases'' of the trapezoid; the other two sides are called the ''legs''. If the two legs of a trapezoid have equal [[length]], we say it is an [[isosceles trapezoid]]. |
| − | Given any [[triangle]], a trapezoid can be formed by cutting the triangle with a cut parallel to one of the sides. Similarly, given a trapezoid, one can reconstruct the triangle from which it was cut by extending the legs until they meet. | + | Given any [[triangle]], a trapezoid can be formed by cutting the [[triangle]] with a cut [[parallel]] to one of the sides. Similarly, given a trapezoid, one can reconstruct the [[triangle]] from which it was cut by extending the legs until they meet. |
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Revision as of 23:51, 30 October 2006
A trapezoid is a geometric figure that lies in a plane. Trapezoids are characterized by having one pair of parallel sides. In general it is probably safe to assume that "one pair" means "exactly one pair," so that parallelograms are not also trapezoids. However, it is not clear that this is a universal mathematical convention.
The two parallel sides of the trapezoid are referred to as the bases of the trapezoid; the other two sides are called the legs. If the two legs of a trapezoid have equal length, we say it is an isosceles trapezoid.
Given any triangle, a trapezoid can be formed by cutting the triangle with a cut parallel to one of the sides. Similarly, given a trapezoid, one can reconstruct the triangle from which it was cut by extending the legs until they meet.
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