Solve for b2 in a = 1/2 h ( b1 + b2 ), if a = 16, h = 4, and b1 = 3.

Hello from MrBillDoesMath!

b2 = 5  

Discussion:

A = 1/2 h (b1 + b2) .

Substituting A = 16, h = 4, and b1=3 in the above formula gives:

16 = (1/2) (4)( 3 + b2)    =>         (as (1/2)4 = 2) )

16 = 2 ( 3 + b2)             =>         (divide both sides by 2)

8 = (3 + b2)                   =>         (subtract 3 from both sides)

8-3  = b2                       =>

5     =  b2

Check Area formula:

Does A = 16 = (1/2)(4)(3+5)   ?

Does 16 = (1/2) (4)(8)             ?

Does 16 = (1/2)(32)                ?  Yes it does so our calculation for b2 is correct

Thank you,

MrB

not sure but it may be b, as i said i'm not sure.