Answer:
The formula to find the area of a trapezoid is given by:
[tex]Area = \frac{1}{2} h (a+b)[/tex]
where h is the height, a and b are the lengths of the two parallel sides.
In this case, the trapezoid has sides of lengths 18 ft and 8 ft, and the two shorter sides are 5 ft and 6 ft. To find the height (h), we can use the Pythagorean theorem since the height forms a right triangle with the two shorter sides.
[tex]h^2 = 8^2 - (18 - 5)^2[/tex]
[tex]h^2 = 64 - 169[/tex]
[tex]h^2 = -105[/tex]
Since the result is negative, it means there is no real solution, and this configuration of side lengths doesn't form a valid trapezoid.
There might be a mistake in the provided side lengths or a misunderstanding of the trapezoid's configuration. Please double-check the side lengths or provide additional information if needed.
