What formula is used to find the area of a trapezoid?

The formula used to find the area of a trapezoid is A = (1/2)(B + b)(H), where B and b represent the lengths of the two parallel sides (also known as the bases) of the trapezoid, and H is the height, which is the perpendicular distance between these two bases.

This formula essentially averages the lengths of the two bases by adding them together, dividing by two, and then multiplying by the height. By considering both bases, it accounts for the trapezoidal shape, which differs from other shapes like rectangles where the bases are equal.

The other formulas provided do not apply to trapezoids: A = bh is for the area of a rectangle; V = (area of base)(height) typically applies to three-dimensional shapes like prisms; and C = πr^2 is the formula for the area of a circle, not a trapezoid. Thus, the geometric properties and relationships within a trapezoid are accurately captured by the correct formula.