measurement · Year 5 · AC9M5M02
Area of composite shapes
A composite shape is made of simpler shapes joined together. For an L-shape, make one straight cut to split it into two rectangles. Find the area of each rectangle (length × width) and add them. Make sure the rectangles do not overlap. Another way is to find the area of the big rectangle around the shape and take away the missing corner. If some sides are not labelled, work them out first from the sides you know.
Sample questions
What is the area of this shape, in square metres? All the corners are right angles.
- The dashed line splits the shape into two rectangles.
- 4 × 8 = 32 and 9 × 4 = 36.
- 32 + 36 = 68 m².
Answer: 68
What is the area of this shape, in square metres? All the corners are right angles.
- The dashed line splits the shape into two rectangles.
- 4 × 4 = 16 and 10 × 6 = 60.
- 16 + 60 = 76 m².
Answer: 76
What is the area of this shape, in square metres? All the corners are right angles.
- The dashed line splits the shape into two rectangles.
- 2 × 3 = 6 and 9 × 3 = 27.
- 6 + 27 = 33 m².
Answer: 33