Question

I would really appreciate the help. I dont understand how to get the base x height since the shape is different.

Find the area of the image below: (4 points)



41 square units

44 square units

52 square units

56 square units

Answer 1

Hello @tw101 !
You're right, this shape is definitely irregular.
With this type of figure, we can actually split it into multiple shapes, and find the area of each of these individually (base x height).
We could then simply add them all together in the end to find the overall area.
So, look again closely at this figure. Can you divide it into two regular shapes?

Answer 2

hmm.. a triangle and a square?

Answer 3

Yes! Imagine a little dotted line separating the two, and for now we're going to look at them as separate.

Answer 4

like if we seperated the shape at point y=5

Answer 5

Yes! Now do you know the equation for calculating the area of a triangle?

Answer 6

then it would make a triangle and square right?

Answer 7

(1/2) bh right?

Answer 8

Correct. So now, what you have to do is find the area of the square, then find the area of the triangle. After, add these two together to get your answer.

Answer 9

okay, so for the triangle is the base side BA?

Answer 10

and then the height AC?

Answer 11

The square would be 4 points * 4points= 16

Answer 12

Not quite. Since we just split the shape up, the sides don't need official names like BA, AC etc. So, this dotted line is your base. Just count the squares to find its value. The height of the triangle would be the line going from A up to the end of the dotted line.

Answer 13

But you are correct with the square!

Answer 14

this is the height

Answer 15

for the triangle

Answer 16

Oh okay! Sorry my internet is a bit slow, I didnt see your reply.

Answer 17

It's all good! I hope this is making sense

Answer 18

So can i use the new dotted line as the base?

Answer 19

yes its beginning to.

Answer 20

Yep, so the base of the triangle is 10, times the height of the triangle which is 5. And since it's a triangle, now we must divide by 2.
Try this and tell me what you got

Answer 21

25

Answer 22

@elxation so it would be 41 right?

Answer 23

25+16=41

Answer 24

Correct :)

Answer 25

Thank you so much!:) I appreciate it so much. I will fan and medal. Whatever it is haha.

Answer 26

Thank you! I'm here to help whenever :D Just tag me and i'll try my best! Thanks for the fan and medal!