Identify the two parallel sides (bases): (b_1) and (b_2)
Measure the height (perpendicular distance between the bases): (h)
Use the formula: (A=dfrac{(b_1+b_2)}{2}cdot h)
Substitute the values into the formula
Compute the sum of the bases, divide by 2, then multiply by the height
Report the area in square units (e.g., (text{cm}^2), (text{m}^2))