A trapezoid has one base that is 120% of the length of the other base. The two sides are each 1/2 th

A trapezoid has one base that is 120% of the length of the other base. The two sides are each 1/2 the length of the smaller base. If the perimeter of the trapezoid is 54.4 inches, what is the length of the smaller base of the trapezoid?

Setup measurements:

• Small base = n
• Large base = 1.2n
• sides = n/2
• Perimeter = n + 1.2n + 0.5n + 0.5n = 54.4

Solve for n in the equation n + 1.2n + 0.5n + 0.5n = 54.4

Step 1: Group the n terms on the left hand side:
(1 + 1.2 + 0.5 + 0.5)n = 3.2n

Step 2: Form modified equation
3.2n = + 54.4

Step 3: Divide each side of the equation by 3.2
3.2n/3.2 = 54.4/3.2
n = 17

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