Area of a Square

A square has 4 sides that are all exactly the same size. Therefore, finding the area is pretty
easy! Since the area of a square or rectangle is length x width, we can just square the
length of the side! Take a look!

Area of a Rectangle

A rectangle is a 4 sided figure with two pairs of parallel lines. Each set of parallel lines has
the same length. To find the area of a rectangle we are going to multiply the length x the
width.

Area of a Parallelogram
A parallelogram is another 4 sided figure with two pairs of parallel lines. To find the area of a
parallelogram, we will multiply the base x the height. Let's look at the formula and example.

Notice that we did not use the measurement of 4m. 4m did not represent the base or
the height, therefore, it was not needed in our calculation.

Area of a Trapezoid
A trapezoid is a 4 sided figure formed by one pair of parallel sides. This area formula is a
little more complicated. Study the example carefully!

Take note that the bases of a trapezoid are always the parallel lines.

Area of a Triangle
A triangle is a 3 sided figure. There are several different types of triangles. You must be
careful when trying to locate the height of the triangle. Remember the height of the shape
must be a straight, vertical line.

Again, notice that we did not need to use the measurement of 11cm. 11cm did not
represent the base of the triangle, nor did it represent the height.
** You will not always need to use every measurement that is given in the problem.

Area of a Circle
A circle, of course, has no straight lines. We use pi (3.14) when we calculate the area of a
circle.

What Would Happen if We Were Given the Diameter of the

Circle and Asked to Find the Area?
If you are given the diameter of a circle (which is the distance across the circle - through the
center), then you would divide the diameter in half. 1/2 of the diameter = the radius.