Calculating Area

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Remember that the area of a shape is a measurement of the amount of 2D space inside of the shape.

To work out the area of a square or rectangle, multiply its height by its width.

If the height and width are in cm, the area is shown in cm².

If the height and width are in m, the area is shown in m².

A square with sides of 5 m has an area of 25 m², because 5 × 5 = 25.

A compound shape, or a composite shape, is a shape which is made by joining two or more basic shapes together. You can find the area of compound shapes by splitting the shape into different parts.

So to find the area of this compound shape, you would need to calculate the missing dimensions, then find the base length and the height of each rectangle.

Shape A has a height of 10 m, given, and a base length of 11 m
because 15 – 4 = 11

Shape B has a base length of 4 m, given, and a height of 4 m
because 10 – 6 = 4

Shape A area = 10 x 11 = 110 m²

Shape B area = 4 x 4 = 16 m²

Total area = 110 + 16 = 126 m²

Challenge:

Calculate the area of the following shapes:

Remember to split these compound shapes into 2 parts to help you:

Rectangle A =                                                             

Rectangle B =                                                         

     Total Area = A + B =

Extension:

1. If you cut off a piece from a shape, you reduce its area and perimeter.

True or False? Draw 2 examples to prove your thinking.

2. Approximate the area of each shape, then order it from smallest to largest:

3. 

Each orange square has an area of 64 cm².

Calculate the total orange area.

Calculate the blue area.

Calculate the green area.

What is the total area of the whole shape?