The height of a trapezoid is 6 in. and it’s area is 72 in to the 2nd power. One base of the trapezoid is 6 inches longer than the other base. What are the lengths of the bases? Complete the explanation of how you found your answer.

One base is __ inches for one of the bases and __ inches for the other base.

Use the formula for the area of a trapezoid. Substitute 72 for A and 6 for h and simplify the equation to find __ = (b1 + b2). Use guess and check to find two numbers that add to __ with one number 6 more than the other to get __ inches for one of the bases and __ inches for the other base.