Python Program to Calculate the Area of a Trapezoid

A Trapezoid is a convex quadrilateral with at least one pair of parallel sides. The parallel sides are called the bases of the trapezoid and the other two sides which are not parallel are referred to as the legs. There can also be two pairs of bases. In this article, we will see how to find the area of the Trapezoid in Python.

In the above figure CD || AB, so they form the bases and the other two sides i.e., AD and BC form the legs. 
The area of a trapezoid can be found by using this simple formula : 

Area = (a+b)/2 * h

Program To Find Area of Trapezoid in Python

Below are some of the ways by which we can find area of Trapezoid in Python:

• Using Formula directly in function
• Using a Class
• Using a Lambda Function

Area Of Trapezoid Using Formula Directly in Function

In this method, we define a function that takes takes three parameters: base1, base2, and height and calculates the area by using the formula (base1 + base2) / 2 * height and returns the result.

Python3

def area_trapezoid(base1, base2, height):
# Function to calculate the area of a trapezoid.
    return (base1 + base2) / 2 * height

# Driver code
base1 = 5
base2 = 9
height = 4
result = area_trapezoid(base1, base2, height)
print(f"Area of Trapezoid: {result}")

Output

Area of Trapezoid: 28.0

Area Of Trapezoid Using a Class

In this method, a class is defined to represent a Trapezoid. The class has an __init__ method to initialize base1, base2, and height attributes of the trapezoid object, and a method to calculates the area using the stored values.

Python3

class Trapezoid:
    def __init__(self, base1, base2, height):
        self.base1 = base1
        self.base2 = base2
        self.height = height

    def calculate_area(self):
        return (self.base1 + self.base2) / 2 * self.height

# Driver code
trapezoid_instance = Trapezoid(5, 9, 4)
result = trapezoid_instance.calculate_area()
print(f"Area of Trapezoid: {result}")

Output

Area of Trapezoid: 28.0

Area Of Trapezoid Using a Lambda Function

In this approach, we use lambda() function, to calculate the area the formula (base1 + base2) / 2 * height. Lambda functions are concise, anonymous functions that can be handy for short-lived operations.

Python3

# Lambda function to calculate the area
def area_trapezoid_lambda(base1, base2, height): return (
    base1 + base2) / 2 * height

# Driver code
base1 = 5
base2 = 9
height = 4
result = area_trapezoid_lambda(base1, base2, height)
print(f"Area of Trapezoid: {result}")

Output

Area of Trapezoid: 28.0

Conclusion

In this article we studied different methods to calculate the area of a trapezoid in Python, each employing distinct approaches and programming paradigms. The choice of method depends on factors such as code readability, project requirements, and the desired level of abstraction. Whether opting for simplicity, object-oriented design, functional programming, or a combination, Python offers the flexibility to choose the method that best suits the specific needs of the application.