Study Guide Part 2: Composite Figures

Composite Figures

Composite figures are figures that are made from more than one shape being combined. The heart that you see is actually made from a square and two semi-circles.

To calculate composite figures' area, you need to be able to find the area of simple shapes first.

Let's practice!

For rectangles, you multipy the length x width.

You may also hear that area of a rectangle is calculated using the formula Area= base x height.

Multiple Choice

What is the area of the rectangle?

• 30 mm²
• 36 mm²
• 45 mm²
• 56 mm²

Multiple Choice

What is the area of the rectangle?

• 8 ft²
• 9 ft²
• 10 ft²
• 12 ft²

Area of a square is similar to area of a rectangle. You multiply length x width.

To find area of this square, I'd multiply 5 x 5

Multiple Choice

Find the area of this square

• 5 cm

• 20 cm²

• 25 cm²

• 55 cm

Multiple Choice

What is the formula for the area of a rectangle?

• Length x Width

• Length x Length

• Width x Width

Multiple Choice

What is the formula for the area of a square?

• Length x Width

• Length x Length

• Width x Width

For area of a triangle, you multiply base x height. Then, divide your answer by 2.

The triangle has a base of 6 and a height of 7.

• To solve, first multiply base x height.

• 7 x 6 = 42

• Then, divide by 2.

• 42/2 = 21 

• Area = 21 cm^2

Multiple Choice

How do you find the area of a triangle?

• base x height

• take half of the base times the height

• add up all of the sides

Multiple Choice

Find the area of this triangle.

• 20 cm²
• 35 cm²
• 40 cm²
• 17.5 cm²

Multiple Choice

What is the area of a triangle with a base of 10 cm and a height of 14 cm?

• 24 cm squared
• 12 cm squared
• 70 cm squared
• 140 cm squared

Composite Area is the area of the combined shapes. To find composite area, you must:

1) Break the figure into smaller shapes.

2) Write the formula for area of each shape.

3) Calculate the area of each shape

4) Add all of the areas

Multiple Choice

What is the area of the composite figure?

• 48 cm²
• 90 cm²
• 78 cm²
• 12 cm²

Multiple Choice

What is the area of the shaded region?

• 14 m²
• 120 m²
• 106 m²
• 134 m²

Multiple Choice

The arrow shown is on a sign. What is the area of the arrow?

• 17 in²
• 40 in²
• 52 in²
• 61 in²

Multiple Choice

You can use the STAAR Resource sheet to find your formulas?

• True
• False