Compound Area Calculations

6th GradeMath35 min

Learning Objective

I can find the area of compound shapes by breaking them into smaller known figures

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

8 min

Finding the Area of a Composite Figure | Area of Composite Rectangles

Math with Mr. J

Guided Notes

7 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • To find the area of an irregular polygon, you must decompose it into different shapes for which you know the area formulas, such as triangles and trapezoids.

  • The apothem is the distance from the center of a regular polygon to the side at a right angle, and it represents the height of the triangles formed when finding the area.

  • The area of a regular polygon can be found using the formula: Area = ½ × perimeter × apothem.

Practice

11 min

4 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

A compound shape is made of a rectangle and a square. The rectangle is 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. The square has sides of 3 inches. What is the total area of the compound shape? Show your work.

Teacher Guide

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  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts