What is a Trapezoid?
A trapezoid is a 4-sided flat shape with one pair of parallel sides called its bases. The height (also called altitude) of a trapezoid is perpendicular to its bases.
The other two non-parallel sides are called legs. Examples of trapezoid-shaped objects are flowerpots, handbags, pails, and other architectural things.
Types of Trapezoids
There are three types of trapezoids, and those are given below:
- Isosceles Trapezoid
- Scalene Trapezoid
- Right Trapezoid
1. Isosceles Trapezoid
If the legs or non-parallel sides of the trapezoid are equal in length, then it is called an isosceles trapezoid. The angles of the parallel sides (base) in the isosceles trapezoid are equal to each other. An isosceles trapezoid has a line of symmetry and both the diagonals are equal in length.
2. Scalene Trapezoid
When neither the sides nor the angles of the trapezoid are equal, then it is a scalene trapezoid. In the below scalene trapezoid, all four sides i.e. AB, BC, CD, and DA are of different lengths.
3. Right Trapezoid
A right trapezoid also called the right-angled trapezoid, has a pair of right angles. These kinds of trapezoids are used to estimate the areas under the curve.
In the below right trapezoid or right-angled trapezoid, there are two right angles one at D and the other one at A. One pair of opposite sides i.e. DC and AB are parallel to each other.
Trapezoid Examples in Real Life
The perimeter of a trapezoid is the sum of all its sides. We can find trapezoids in many real-life objects For example a lamp, popcorn box, handbag, and so on.
1. The roof of a house or building:
Trapezoidal roofs are a popular choice in modern architecture due to their sleek and contemporary design. The shape of the roof is often dictated by the angle of the sun, so trapezoidal roofs are a practical solution for maximizing natural light and energy efficiency. The angle of the trapezoid can also provide additional living space in the form of an attic or loft.
2. The shape of a skateboard ramp:
Trapezoidal skate ramps can vary in size and shape, but the principle remains the same – the sides of the ramp are angled in such a way as to provide a smooth transition for the skateboarder to perform tricks and jumps.
The trapezoidal design allows the skater to build up speed and momentum, making it an essential feature for any skate park.
3. stage or podium:
Trapezoidal stages and podiums are commonly used in theater productions and public speaking events. The trapezoidal shape allows performers to move around more freely and engage with the audience from different angles. The stage or podium can also be adjusted to suit the size and layout of the venue.
4. windows on the sides of buildings:
Trapezoidal windows are an increasingly popular design choice in modern architecture. The shape of the window can add a dynamic and striking visual element to the building’s facade, while also providing more natural light and ventilation.
Trapezoidal windows are often used in buildings with unconventional shapes, such as the Gherkin in London or the Flatiron Building in New York City.
5. Some musical instruments, like the xylophone or marimba, have trapezoidal bars:
The trapezoidal shape of the bars on these instruments is essential for creating a distinct and clear tone. The bars are arranged in order of pitch, with the wider end of the trapezoid producing a lower note and the narrower end producing a higher note. The xylophone and marimba are commonly used in orchestras and percussion ensembles.
6. Many bookshelves have trapezoidal sides or backs:
Trapezoidal bookshelves can be a practical solution for maximizing space in smaller rooms. The sides or backs of the bookshelf can be angled to fit into a corner or alcove, providing more efficient use of space. Trapezoidal bookshelves can also be customized to suit the size and style of the room.
7. Many swimming pools have trapezoidal shapes:
Trapezoidal swimming pools are a popular choice for residential and commercial properties. The shape of the pool can be customized to suit the size and layout of the property, while also providing more room for swimmers to move around.
Trapezoidal pools can also be designed to include features such as waterfalls, slides, and jacuzzis.
8. The shape of some bridges, like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco:
The trapezoidal shape of the bridge’s towers allows for greater stability and support. The shape also creates a visually striking and iconic silhouette, making it a popular landmark and tourist attraction.
9 car windows:
The trapezoidal shape of the window can enhance the aerodynamics of the car, reducing wind resistance and improving fuel efficiency. The shape can also provide a wider field of vision for the driver, making it easier to see behind the car.
10. cardboard boxes used for shipping:
Trapezoidal boxes can be more efficient for stacking and storing, as they can be nested together without leaving gaps. The shape can also provide additional support for the contents of the box, reducing the risk of damage during transit.
11. geometric sculptures and art installations:
Trapezoidal shapes can create a sense of movement and energy in artwork, and the shape can be used to create a visually striking and dynamic piece. Trapezoidal sculptures can be found in public spaces, galleries, and museums such as London Mastaba.
12. mirrors, like those used in dressing rooms or for dance practice:
The trapezoidal shape of the mirror can provide a full-length reflection while also fitting into a smaller space. The angled sides of the mirror can also create a more flattering reflection for the viewer.
13. Camping Tents:
Camping tents are often designed with a trapezoidal shape to maximize the amount of livable space while minimizing the weight and bulk of the tent. A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with only one pair of parallel sides.
The trapezoidal shape of a camping tent means that the two opposite sides of the tent are parallel, while the other two sides are non-parallel and taper towards the top. This shape provides the tent with a wider base for increased livable space, while the tapering sides help to reduce the overall weight and bulk of the tent.
14. chair back:
It refers to a chair backrest that has a trapezoidal shape. A trapezoid is a quadrilateral with two parallel sides, which means that a trapezoid chair back has two sides that are parallel to each other, while the other two sides are not parallel.
The trapezoid shape of the chair back can provide ergonomic benefits by supporting the natural curve of the spine and allowing for a comfortable seating position. Additionally, the shape can add a unique and modern design element to the chair.
15. cream/shampoo bottles:
They can be made from a variety of materials such as plastic, glass or metal. They are commonly used in the beauty industry to package and dispense creams, lotions, shampoos, and other personal care products.
The trapezoidal shape of the bottle can provide ergonomic benefits by allowing for easy handling and pouring of the product. Additionally, the unique shape can add a modern and aesthetically pleasing design element to the product, making it stand out on store shelves.
16. plateaus:
They can be found in a variety of environments, such as mountainous regions, deserts, and plateaus. They can be natural formations, created by geological processes, or man-made structures, built for a variety of purposes such as observation, recreation, or transportation.
In mountainous regions, trapezoid plateaus can offer a flat and stable surface for hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities. They can also be used as vantage points for observing the surrounding landscape.
17. Glass
The width of the glass reduces while moving downwards. Hence, one of the best examples of a trapezoid can be seen while observing the shape of a drinking glass.
18. Lamp
The shade cap of a lamp is yet another example of trapezoid-shaped objects used in real life. It consists of a pair of parallel sides and a pair of non-parallel sides.
19. Popcorn Tub
One can easily recognize the trapezoid shape of a popcorn tub. The top and the bottom of the tub constitute the parallel sides, while the other sides form the non-parallel sides.
20. Flowerpot
If you look at the 2-dimensional projection of a flowerpot, you can easily observe the trapezoid shape.
21. Handbag
Look at the shape of a handbag. You can easily observe that the top and the bottom portions of the bag are parallel to each other, while the rest of its sides are non-parallel. Hence, a handbag is a prominent example of a trapezoid-shaped object used in real life.
22. Bucket
The structure of a bucket is analogous to that of a trapezoid because it consists of a pair of parallel lines and a pair of non-parallel lines.
23. Guitar
Around 1970, the trapezoid custom guitars made by Chris Martin became quite popular. Even now, there are certain places where such trapezoid guitars can be seen.
24. Ring
If you hold a ring and look at the jewel fixed within the casing on its top, you can easily see a trapezoidal shape. The top of the flat jewel and the baseline of the casing tend to form two parallel lines, while the sidelines of the casing form non-parallel lines.
25. Bathtub
One of the common shapes opted by the hardware products manufacturing companies to manufacture a bathtub is the trapezoid. Other shapes may include a rectangle, a circle, etc.
26. Wheel Barrow
The container used in the wheelbarrow is generally trapezoidal. The trapezoid shape of the container allows it to hold comparatively more material than the other shapes.
27. Shovel
The blade of the shovel forms the shape of a quadrilateral that has a pair of parallel lines and a pair of non-parallel lines. Hence, it is a clear example of trapezoid-shaped objects in real life.
28. Sheds
The sheds installed on the top of the houses and on the top of the vending stalls are mostly trapezoidal.
29. Boat
Trapezoid shape in real life can be easily observed by looking at the base of a paper boat. Some of the boats used for water transportation are also trapezoidal.
30. Lock
Locks are found in a variety of shapes. Out of which, the trapezoidal-shaped locks are the most popular.