When given a geometric figure with various shapes and dimensions, finding the area of the entire figure can seem daunting. In this article, we will break down the process of determining the area step by step. We will use the figure pictured below as an example to guide you through the calculation process.
Step 1: Identify the Shapes Present
Before calculating the area of the figure, it’s essential to identify the shapes that make up the entire figure. In the pictured figure below, we can see that it consists of a square and a triangle.
- Square: The square has four equal sides and all angles are 90 degrees.
- Triangle: The triangle has a base and a height, and its area can be calculated using the formula: Area = 0.5 x Base x Height.
Step 2: Calculate the Area of the Square
Let’s start by calculating the area of the square in the figure. To find the area of a square, we use the formula:
Area of a Square = Side x Side
Given measurements for the square in the figure, we can plug in the values to find the area.
Step 3: Calculate the Area of the Triangle
Next, we need to calculate the area of the triangle in the figure. The formula for the area of a triangle is:
Area of a Triangle = 0.5 x Base x Height
By using the measurements provided for the triangle, we can substitute these values into the formula to determine the area.
Step 4: Determine the Total Area of the Figure
Now that we have calculated the individual areas of the square and the triangle, we can find the total area of the figure by adding these two values together.
Total Area = Area of Square + Area of Triangle
Step 5: Final Calculation
Perform the final calculation to determine the total area of the figure using the values obtained for the square and the triangle. Make sure to double-check your calculations for accuracy.
Conclusion
Calculating the area of a complex figure can be broken down into manageable steps by identifying the individual shapes present and applying the respective area formulas. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can find the area of any geometric figure with confidence.
