In an isosceles trapezoid, the lower base is 15, the upper base is 5, and each leg is 6. How far must each of the legs be extended to form a triangle?

Each of the legs be extended by 3 to form a triangle

Using the theorem of two similar triangles, Assuming that sides of the triangle are equal, we can extend the side of the triangles with

We can create a proportion as;

Cross multiply, we have

Therefore, each of the legs be extended by 3 to form a triangle

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3 units

Explanation:

Let the side of the triangles to be extended be x. Both sides of the triangle are equal.

Applying similarly theorem of two similar triangles, the following proportion can be set up to solve for the value of x as shown below:

Cross multiply

Subtract both sides by 5x

Divide both sides by 10

Therefore, the legs must be extended 3 units more to form a triangle.