The trapezoids HIJK and LMNO are similar. HI measured 8 inches and LM measured 32 inches. If the area of HIJK was 72 square inches, what is the area of LMNO?
For similar shapes with ratio of linear dimensions r,
the area ratio is r^2 no matter what kinds of similar shapes they are.
In your case,
i.e. 72 (32/8)^2
= 72 x 16
= 1152 sq inches.