Composite Figures and Area Calculations

This video tutorial for sixth graders covers finding the area of composite figures, which are shapes made up of two or more basic shapes like rectangles, triangles, and trapezoids. The teacher guides students through several examples, demonstrating how to break down complex shapes into simpler components and calculate their areas using known formulas. Students are encouraged to follow along in their math books and practice on Khan Academy.

What is a composite figure?

• A shape made of only one type of shape

• A shape that is always a rectangle

• A shape that cannot be divided into simpler shapes

• A shape made of two or more different shapes

How do you find the area of a composite figure made of rectangles?

• Add the areas of the rectangles

• Multiply the areas of the rectangles

• Add the perimeters of the rectangles

• Subtract the areas of the rectangles

In the example with rectangles, what are the dimensions of the smaller rectangle?

• 15 by 6

• 12 by 4

• 10 by 5

• 8 by 3

When finding the area of a composite figure with a rectangle and a triangle, what is the first step?

• Divide the triangle into smaller triangles

• Calculate the area of the rectangle

• Ignore the triangle

• Find the perimeter of the triangle

What is the formula for the area of a triangle?

• Base times height divided by 2

• Base times height

• Base minus height

• Base plus height

In the example with a rectangle and trapezoids, what is the length of the rectangle?

• 7

• 5

• 12

• 9

How do you calculate the area of a trapezoid?

• Add the bases, multiply by the height, and divide by 2

• Multiply the bases, add the height, and divide by 2

• Add the bases, subtract the height, and divide by 2

• Multiply the bases, multiply by the height, and divide by 2

In the square and trapezoid example, what is the side length of the square?

• 7

• 6

• 8

• 5

What is the height of the trapezoid in the square and trapezoid example?

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

What is the final step in finding the area of a composite figure?

• Subtract the areas of all shapes

• Multiply the areas of all shapes

• Add the areas of all shapes

• Divide the areas of all shapes