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The formula for calculating the area of a trapezoid is derived from the average of the lengths of the two parallel sides, referred to as bases, and then multiplied by the height. The correct formula is expressed as the area equals one-half the sum of the lengths of the two bases multiplied by the height.

This means that by adding the lengths of the two bases (b₁ and b₂), dividing that sum by two, and then multiplying by the height (h), you find the area of the trapezoid. This process effectively captures the geometric concept of averaging the two bases before scaling by the height.

The other options present incorrect formulas. For instance, multiplying the heights by only the individual bases, as seen in one of the choices, wouldn't account for the trapezoidal shape and would lead to an incorrect calculation of area. Simply adding the bases without applying the factor of one-half would also overestimate the area, thus not reflecting its true value. Lastly, combining the base lengths in a multiplication format that involves height will not align with the trapezoidal geometry, as each part plays a distinct role in determining the area.