This introduction covers Shapes with Parallel Sides within Area of Parallelograms & Trapeziums for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Area of Parallelograms & Trapeziums in Geometry & Measures for GCSE Mathematics with 11 exam-style questions and 4 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 1 of 8 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Shapes with Parallel Sides
A parallelogram is like a "pushed over" rectangle - imagine pushing the top of a rectangle sideways. A trapezium has just ONE pair of parallel sides. Both are common in real life - roof sections, road signs, and sloped surfaces!
Visual: Parallelogram & Trapezium Areas
Practice questions for Area of Parallelograms & Trapeziums
A parallelogram has base b and perpendicular height h. Which formula gives its area?
Explain why the area formula for a parallelogram is the same as the area formula for a rectangle.
Quick recall flashcards
Trapezium Area
Area = ½ × (sum of parallel sides) × height = ½(a + b)h
Area of Trapezium
½ × (a + b) × h where a,b are parallel sides