1. **State the problem:** Find the area of a trapezoid with parallel sides of lengths 15 inches and 6.9 inches, and a height of 8 inches. 2. **Formula for the area of a trapezoid:** $$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times (\text{Base}_1 + \text{Base}_2) \times \text{Height}$$ 3. **Substitute the given values:** $$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times (15 + 6.9) \times 8$$ 4. **Simplify inside the parentheses:** $$15 + 6.9 = 21.9$$ 5. **Calculate the area:** $$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times 21.9 \times 8$$ 6. **Multiply 21.9 by 8:** $$21.9 \times 8 = 175.2$$ 7. **Multiply by \frac{1}{2}:** $$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times 175.2 = 87.6$$ **Final answer:** The area of the trapezoid is **87.6 square inches**.