How can you find the area of a parallelogram?

To determine the area of a parallelogram, the formula used is A = base * height. This formula arises from the fact that the area of any polygon can be calculated as the base length multiplied by the vertical height from that base to the opposite side. In the case of a parallelogram, the height is the perpendicular distance between the two bases, ensuring that the area represents the space contained within its boundaries.

When applying this formula, it's important to identify the correct base and the respective height that stands perpendicular to that base. The parallelogram's opposite sides are equal in length and parallel, which simplifies the use of the base-height relationship. Therefore, as long as you select a base and measure the height directly perpendicular to it, you can accurately calculate the area of any parallelogram.

The other options provided do not accurately represent the method to calculate the area of a parallelogram. The formula involving the average of two bases and height corresponds to the area of a trapezoid, while the other two options relate to the area calculations for rectangles and circles, respectively. Each of those applies to different shapes and contexts, emphasizing the specific nature of the formula for parallelograms.