A trapezoid is a four-sided shape, known as a quadrilateral, that has at least one pair of parallel sides. The parallel sides are called the bases, while the other two sides are called the legs. Trapezoids can come in different forms, such as the isosceles trapezoid, where the legs are of equal length, making it look more symmetrical.
In geometry, trapezoids are important for understanding various properties of shapes and can be found in everyday objects, like bridges and roofs. The area of a trapezoid can be calculated using the formula: Area = (Base1 + Base2) × Height / 2, which helps in practical applications like construction and design.