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Last updated on September 8, 2025

Perimeter of Right Trapezoid

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The perimeter of a shape is the total length of its boundary. For a right trapezoid, the perimeter is the sum of all four sides. Perimeter is used in various practical applications such as fencing a property, sewing, and more. In this topic, we will learn about the perimeter of a right trapezoid.

Perimeter of Right Trapezoid for US Students
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What is the Perimeter of a Right Trapezoid?

The perimeter of a right trapezoid is the total length of its four sides. By adding the length of all four sides, we get the perimeter of the shape

 

The formula for the perimeter of a right trapezoid is P = a + b + c + d, where a, b, c, and d are the sides of the trapezoid.

 

For instance, if a right trapezoid has sides a = 5, b = 7, c = 10, and d = 8, then its perimeter is P = 5 + 7 + 10 + 8 = 30.

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Formula for Perimeter of Right Trapezoid - \(P = a + b + c + d\).

Let’s consider another example of a right trapezoid with side lengths a = 6, b = 9, c = 11, and d = 13 So the perimeter of the right trapezoid will be: P = a + b + c + d = 6 + 9 + 11 + 13 = 39.

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How to Calculate the Perimeter of Right Trapezoid

To find the perimeter of a right trapezoid, we just need to apply the given formula and sum all the sides of the trapezoid.

 

For instance, a given right trapezoid has the sides a = 4, b = 5, c = 12, and d = 15.

 

Perimeter = sum of all sides = 4 + 5 + 12 + 15 = 36cm.

 

Example Problem on Perimeter of Right Trapezoid -

 

For finding the perimeter of a right trapezoid, we use the formula, P = a + b + c + d. For example, let’s say, a = 3 cm, b = 7 cm,c = 5 cm, and d = 6 cm.

 

Now, the perimeter = sum of all sides = 3 + 7 + 5 + 6 = 21 cm.

 

Therefore, the perimeter of the right trapezoid is 21 cm.

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Tips and Tricks for Perimeter of Right Trapezoid

Learning some tips and tricks makes it easier for children to calculate the perimeter of right trapezoids. Here are some tips and tricks given below:

 

  • Always remember that a right trapezoid's perimeter is simply the sum of the four sides of the shape. For that, use the formula, P = a + b + c + d.

 

  • Calculating the perimeter of a right trapezoid starts by determining the length of each side using the distance formula if necessary. The distance formula is: Distance = sqrt{(x_2-x_1)2+(y_2-y_1)2). Here, (x_1, y_1) and (x_2, y_2) indicate the positions of two points that make out a trapezoid’s side. They can be found by adding the lengths of four sides after they are calculated.

 

  • To reduce confusion, specifically arrange the indicated side lengths if you need the perimeter of a group of right trapezoids. After that, apply the formula to each trapezoid.

 

  • To avoid mistakes when adding the perimeter, make sure the side lengths are precise and constant for common uses like gardening and architecture.

 

  • If you are given the semi-perimeter, which is half the perimeter, you can multiply it by 2 to determine the full perimeter. Area-related calculations often use the semi-perimeter.
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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Perimeter of Right Trapezoid

Did you know that while working with the perimeter of a right trapezoid, children might encounter some errors or difficulties? We have many solutions to resolve these problems. Here are some given below:

Mistake 1

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Incorrectly assuming the sides of a trapezoid are equal.

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Remember that a trapezoid generally has sides of different lengths. Make sure to identify and use the correct measurements for each side when calculating the perimeter.

Mistake 2

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Students may confuse the concepts of area and perimeter, leading to incorrect calculations.

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It is important to note that the perimeter, calculated in linear units, is the total length of the trapezoid’s sides, while the area, in square units, represents the space inside the trapezoid.

Mistake 3

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Misreading a problem or mislabeling the sides can lead to incorrect perimeter calculations.

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Double-check the problem and ensure that you're using the correct lengths for your trapezoid.

Mistake 4

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Assuming a right trapezoid has a specific shape, like an isosceles trapezoid, without verifying.

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Be sure to recognize the type of trapezoid you are working with to ensure accurate calculations.

Mistake 5

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Misunderstanding or misidentifying the side lengths that are given in a problem outline.

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Before starting the calculations, make sure that you understand the problem and, if possible, try to draw a trapezoid to accurately identify the side lengths.

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Perimeter of Right Trapezoid Examples

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Problem 1

A trapezoidal-shaped garden bed has a perimeter of 52 meters and two sides measuring 14 meters and 12 meters. To find out the missing sides, subtract the sum of the known sides from the total perimeter.

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The total length of the two missing sides = 26 meters.

Explanation

Let x and y be the lengths of the missing sides. And the given perimeter = 52 meters

 

Lengths of the known sides = 14 meters and 12 meters.

 

Perimeter of trapezoid = sum of lengths of four sides. 52 = 14 + 12 + x + y

 

52 = 26 + x + y

 

x + y = 52 - 26 = 26

 

Therefore, the total length of the two missing sides is 26 meters.

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Problem 2

A wire with a total length of 80 inches is reshaped into a right trapezoid with one side measuring 20 inches, another side measuring 15 inches, and the third side measuring 25 inches. Find the length of the fourth side.

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20 inches

Explanation

Given that the total length of the wire is equal to the perimeter of the trapezoid:

 

Perimeter of trapezoid = Total length of the wire Length of the wire used = Perimeter of the trapezoid formed

 

80 = 20 + 15 + 25 + x

 

80 = 60 + x

 

x = 80 - 60 = 20

 

Therefore, the length of the fourth side is 20 inches.

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Problem 3

Find the perimeter of a right trapezoid whose sides are 8 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm.

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55 cm

Explanation

Perimeter of trapezoid = a + b + c + d

 

P = 8 + 12 + 15 + 20 = 55

 

Therefore, the perimeter of the trapezoid is 55 cm.

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Problem 4

Alex is planning a right trapezoidal patio in his backyard. He measures the four sides of the patio: Side A = 10 meters Side B = 7 meters Side C = 9 meters Side D = 11 meters How much edging should Alex buy to go around the edge of the patio?

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Alex will need 37 meters of edging to go around the patio.

Explanation

The perimeter of a trapezoid is the sum of all four sides.

 

Using the formula: P = a + b + c + d

 

P = 10 + 7 + 9 + 11 = 37 meters.

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Problem 5

Find the perimeter of a right trapezoidal pool with sides measuring 11 m, 9 m, 14 m, and 6 m.

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Perimeter = a + b + c + d = 11 + 9 + 14 + 6 = 40 meters.

Explanation

Each side of the trapezoid has a different length. The entire distance is calculated around the pool to be 40 meters by summing the lengths of the four sides.

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FAQs on Perimeter of Right Trapezoid

1.Evaluate the trapezoid’s perimeter if its sides are 5 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, and 12 cm.

Perimeter of trapezoid = \(a + b + c + d\). Hence \(P = 5 + 8 + 10 + 12 = 35\) cm.

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2.What is meant by a trapezoid’s perimeter?

The total length around a trapezoid’s sides is its perimeter. In other words, the perimeter of a trapezoid is the total length of its sides.

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3.What are the types of trapezoids?

There are three main types of trapezoids: Right trapezoid, Isosceles trapezoid, and Scalene trapezoid.

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4.What distinguishes a right trapezoid?

A right trapezoid has two right angles, distinguishing it from other types of trapezoids.

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5.Which trapezoid has the smallest perimeter?

The trapezoid with the smallest perimeter is the one with the shortest possible lengths for its sides, depending on specific constraints.

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Important Glossaries for Perimeter of Right Trapezoid

  • Perimeter: The total length of the sides of a shape.

 

  • Trapezoid: A quadrilateral with at least one pair of parallel sides.

 

  • Right Trapezoid: A type of trapezoid with two right angles.

 

  • Formula of Perimeter: The mathematical expression used to calculate the perimeter of a right trapezoid is P = a + b + c + d.

 

  • Side: A line segment that forms part of the boundary of a geometric figure, such as a trapezoid.
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Seyed Ali Fathima S

About the Author

Seyed Ali Fathima S a math expert with nearly 5 years of experience as a math teacher. From an engineer to a math teacher, shows her passion for math and teaching. She is a calculator queen, who loves tables and she turns tables to puzzles and songs.

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Fun Fact

: She has songs for each table which helps her to remember the tables

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