To be able to solve clearly this problem, the best thing to do is to plot the graph (see attached pic). From the graph we can see that the points form a trapezoid.
The base is formed by the segment connecting point A and point B.
While the two heights: shorter one by the segment connecting points A and D, and the longer one by the segment connecting points B and C.
The formula for area of trapezoid is given as:
A = b (h1 + h2) / 2
Where,
b = base of the trapezoid = 3 – (-4) = 7
h1 = shorter height = 2 – (-2) = 4
h2 = longer height = 2 – (-5) = 7
Therefore the area is:
A = 7 (4 + 7) / 2
A = 77 / 2
A = 38.5
