The area of a trapezium is 384 sq.cm 2. If its parallel sides are in ratio 3 : 5 and the perpendicular distance between them be 12 cm, The smaller of parallel sides is?

• A. 36 cm
• B. 30 cm
• C. 20 cm
• D. 24 cm

Answer: (D)

Let the sides of trapezium be 5k and 3k, respectively According to the question, (1/2) x [(5k + 3k) x 12] = 384? 8k = (384 x 2)/12 = 64 ? k = 64/8 = 8 cmLength of smaller of the parallel sides = 8 x 3 = 24 cm