If you know the theorem, you can solve the problem rather quickly. You can also prove it by extending the bottom parallel side of the trapezoid
(1st) Trapezoid Mid-Segment Theorem ——> states that when you draw a Line from the Mid-point of one of the non-equal sides to the Mid-point of the opposite non-equal side, that Line will be:
—Parallel to the 2 Parallel Sides (Here: AB parallel to DC parallel to FE)
—- and the length of this Mid Segment will equal the Arithmetic Mean of the lengths of the 2 parallel sides
—- further, since FE, is the Mid Segment of the trapezoid, the Perpendicular Height between parallel lines AB and DC will be cut in Half by parallel mid segment FE
This means each of the 2 split trapezoids will have Height = (h/2)
Let AB = X
Let DC = Y
Question asks for: What is (AB/DC) = (X/Y) = ?
FE, from mid point to mid point will equal = (X + Y)/2
Now, just set up the given information and solve for the ratio of (X/Y):
Area of trapezoid ABEF = (2) * (Area of Trapezoid DFEC)
(1/2) [AB + FE] (h/2) = (2) (1/2) [FE + DC] (h/2)
You can cancel (h/2) from each side and (2) (1/2) on the right side = 1
Substituting the variables we made up, we have:
(1/2) [ X + (X + Y / 2) ] = [ (X + Y / 2) + Y]
Confining like terms with a common DEN of 2 inside the parenthesis, we have:
(3X + Y) / 4 = (X + 3Y) / 2
6X + 2Y = 4X + 12Y
2X = 10Y
X = 5Y
(X/Y) = 5
Edit: Note, you do not need to assume that the trapezoid is an Isosceles trapezoid for the Mid Segment Theorem for Trapezoids to apply. It applies even if it is a regular Trapezoid.
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