Finding area by breaking up the shape | Geometry | 6th grade | Khan Academy

TL;DR

The video teaches how to find the area of an irregular shape by dividing it into triangles and rectangles.

Transcript

We have this strange looking shape here, and then we're given some of its dimensions. We know that this side right over here has a length of 3.5. This side over here is 6.5. Then we know from here to here is 2, and then from here to here is 7. And then they're giving us this dimension right over here is 3.5. So given that, let's see if we can find ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🗂️ Triangles can be divided into rectangles to find their areas efficiently.
• 🗂️ Irregular shapes can be simplified by dividing them into triangles and rectangles.
• 🛩️ The dimensions of each smaller shape must be known to calculate its area accurately.

Questions & Answers

Q: How is the area of a triangle calculated?

The area of a triangle is calculated by multiplying half of its base by its height. In the given example, the first triangle's base is 2 units and its height is 3.5 units, so its area is 1 times 3.5, which is 3.5 square units.

Q: What is the process for finding the area of the entire shape?

The entire shape is divided into smaller triangles and rectangles. The area of each smaller shape is calculated using the given dimensions. Finally, the areas of all the smaller shapes are added together to find the total area of the entire shape.

Q: How is the area of the trapezoid-like region calculated?

The trapezoid-like region can be divided into a rectangle and a triangle. The area of the rectangle is found by multiplying its length (9 units) by its height (3.5 units). The area of the triangle is found by multiplying half of its base (9 units) by its height (3 units).

Q: What is the formula for finding the area of a rectangle?

The area of a rectangle is calculated by multiplying its length by its width. In the given example, the rectangle's length is 9 units and its width is 3.5 units, so its area is 9 multiplied by 3.5, which is 31.5 square units.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The shape is divided into two triangles, and their respective areas are calculated.

• The shape is further divided into a rectangle and a triangle, and the areas of both are calculated.

• The areas of all the parts are added up to find the total area of the shape, which is 60.75 square units.