What is the Area of a Quadrilateral with Given Coordinates?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the area of a quadrilateral defined by specific coordinates. Participants explore various methods for determining the area, including breaking the shape into triangles and using trapezoidal calculations. The conversation includes both mathematical reasoning and attempts to clarify the steps involved.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the coordinates of the quadrilateral as (1,0), (3,5), (9,8), and (13,0) but is uncertain about how to calculate the area.
  • Another participant suggests using a quadratic vertex form to derive additional points and proposes calculating the area by dividing the quadrilateral into triangles.
  • Several participants attempt to compute the area using different methods, with some arriving at the area of 60 through various calculations involving triangles and trapezoids.
  • There is a mention of discrepancies in area calculations, with participants noting differences in their results based on the methods used.
  • One participant acknowledges an error in their previous computation, confirming that the area is indeed 60.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the final area being 60, but there are multiple methods discussed, and some discrepancies in calculations have been noted. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the steps and methods used to arrive at this value.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations appear to depend on specific assumptions or methods that have not been fully resolved, leading to different interpretations of the area calculation.

Ilikebugs
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View attachment 6570 I think I got 4 points of (1,0) (3,5) (9,8) (13,0) but I don't know how to get the area
 

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Using the vertex form for a quadratic, we may state:

$$y=-a(x-7)^2+9$$

To determine $a$, we may use the other known point:

$$8=-a(9-7)^2+9\implies a=\frac{1}{4}$$

Hence:

$$y=-\frac{1}{4}(x-7)^2+9$$

To determine the $x$-coordinates of points $C$ and $D$, we solve:

$$0=-\frac{1}{4}(x-7)^2+9$$

$$(x-7)^2=6^2$$

$$x-7=\pm6$$

$$x=7\pm6$$

To find $b$, we solve:

$$5=-\frac{1}{4}(x-7)^2+9$$

$$(x-7)^2=4^2$$

Take the smaller root:

$$x=7-4=3$$

So, I agree with all of the coordinates you found. Now, how about we find the areas of $$\triangle{BCD}$$ and $$\triangle{ABD}$$ and add them together.

Or, you can drop vertical lines down from points $A$ and $B$ to the $x$-axis, and draw the segment $\overline{AB}$, and you have two right triangles and a trapezoid.

Can you proceed?
 
(12*5)/2=30

()/2=30

30+30=60?
 
Ilikebugs said:
(12*5)/2=30

()/2=30

30+30=60?

That's different than the value I got using the second method I suggested (which I found simpler to do).
 
T1=13.5
T2=16
Trapezoid=height 8, b1= 6 b2=sqr(45) 1/2(6+sqr(45))*8= 24+4(sqr(45))

43.5+4(sqr(45))?

I got 60 through View attachment 6571
 

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Yeah...I used a wrong value in one of the computations. It is 60.
 

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