6th Grade Math Textbook, Fundamentals

Sample Test Item

Trapezoid ABCDis similar to trapezoid WZYX.

W

ZY

X

A

B

D C

12 cm

20 cm

9 cm

Part A

Write a proportion to find the

length of WX.

Part B

What is the length of WX?

Show all your work.

Chapter 6 171

Test Prep: Extended-Response Questions

Strategy: Organize Information

For some test questions, you canuse a diagramto organize your thinking.
If a diagram is provided, pay close attention to labels and scales.

Test-Taking Tips

• Reread the item.


• Use the Test-Prep strategy.


• Apply appropriate rules,
  definitions, properties, or
  strategies.


• Analyze your answers.

Read the whole test item carefully.

• Reread the test item. Identify and summarize the
  information you will need to solve the problem.


• Use the diagram and list what you know.

1.The trapezoids are similar.

2.AB12 cm, AD20 cm, and WZ9 cm

Solve the problem.

• Apply an appropriate strategy.

Use the information in the drawing.

To solve Part A, determine the corresponding

sides to use in order to write a proportion.

ABcorresponds to WZ

ADcorresponds to WX



Substitute the lengths shown in the diagram.

Let xWX

Answer: 

To answer Part B, solve the proportion.



12 x9 • 20 Cross multiply.

12 x 180

x 15 Simplify.

Answer:WXis 15 cm long.

20

x

12

9

Divide both sides by 12

to isolate x.

AD

WX

AB

WZ

20

x

12

9

Check your work. Review your notes.
Make sure you have completed all parts of the item.

• Analyze your answers. Do they make sense?

Write another proportion that relates the side lengths: 



12 x20 • 9

x 15 ✓

9

x

12

20

WZ

WX

AB

AD