In area calculations, which formula is appropriate for a parallelogram?

The appropriate formula for calculating the area of a parallelogram is given by multiplying the base by the height. This formula works because a parallelogram can be visualized as a rectangle that has been skewed. The area of any shape is generally found by determining how much space it occupies, which can typically be done by multiplying a length (the base) by a corresponding height (the perpendicular distance between the bases).

In the case of a parallelogram, the height is crucial because it ensures that the calculation reflects the true vertical extent of the shape, maintaining the right angle necessary for area calculations. By using this formula, you account for the parallelogram's inclination while still determining the total area covered by the shape accurately.

Other formulas mentioned apply to different geometric shapes or conditions. For instance, the formula involving the sum of the bases applies to trapezoids, while the diagonal-based formula is relevant for calculating the area of a rhombus. The expression that includes height, base, and area is somewhat redundant, as the area would already be explicitly determined by multiplying base and height.