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Grade 6 math · W.2 · Area and Surface Area

Area of polygons by decomposing into rectangles and triangles

Split the shape into rectangles and triangles. Find each area, then add them, or subtract any piece that is cut away.

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  1. A shape is a rectangle 2 m wide and 8 m tall with a triangle on top. The triangle has the same base as the width of the rectangle and a height of 5 m. Find the total area in square meters.

    Answer: 21

  2. A shape is a rectangle 4 cm wide and 8 cm tall with a triangle on top. The triangle has the same base as the width of the rectangle and a height of 3 cm. Find the total area in square centimeters.

    Answer: 38

  3. A shape is a rectangle 8 ft wide and 4 ft tall with a triangle on top. The triangle has the same base as the width of the rectangle and a height of 7 ft. Find the total area in square feet.

    Answer: 60

Tip: Split the shape into rectangles and triangles. Find each area, then add them, or subtract any piece that is cut away.

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