This key facts covers The Key Formulas 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 2 of 8 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
The Key Formulas
| Shape | Formula | Key Point |
|---|---|---|
| Parallelogram | Area = base × perpendicular height | Same as rectangle! (A = b × h) |
| Trapezium | Area = ½ × (a + b) × h | a and b are the parallel sides |
Remember: Height is ALWAYS perpendicular (90°) - never the slanted side!
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
Area of Trapezium
½ × (a + b) × h where a,b are parallel sides
Trapezium Area
Area = ½ × (sum of parallel sides) × height = ½(a + b)h