Mastering Areas of Shapes

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Mastering Areas of Shapes

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to calculate the area of simple shapes and shapes made by combining rectangles.

What is Area?

Area is the amount of space inside a flat shape. We usually measure it in square units, like square centimetres (cm²).

Finding the Area of a Rectangle

The area of a rectangle is found by multiplying its length by its width. Area = length × width.

Calculating an Example

A rectangle is 6 cm long and 3 cm wide. Area = 6 × 3 = 18 cm².

Areas of Squares and Rectangles

All sides are equal. Area = side × side.

Opposite sides are equal. Area = length × width.

Rectangle

Square

Combining Rectangles

Some shapes are made by joining rectangles. To find their area, split them into rectangles and add the areas together.

Step-by-Step Example

Break an L-shaped figure into two rectangles. Work out each area, then total the areas.

Try It Yourself!

Look at this shape. Split it into rectangles. Calculate each area, then add them together. What is the total area?

Quick Quiz

1. What is the area of a rectangle 5 cm long and 4 cm wide? 2. How do you find the area of a shape made of two rectangles?

Reflection

Where can you spot shapes made of rectangles around your school or home? What other shapes could you work out the area for?