Understanding the Area of a Parallelogram

What is a defining characteristic of a parallelogram?

• Opposite sides are parallel.

• All sides are equal.

• It has no right angles.

• It has three sides.

Which formula is used to calculate the area of a parallelogram?

• Area = 2 × (length + width)

• Area = side × side

• Area = base × height

• Area = length × width

Why can't the slanted sides of a parallelogram be used as the height in the area formula?

• They are not parallel.

• They are not straight.

• They are too long.

• They are not perpendicular to the base.

If the base of a parallelogram is 8 inches and the height is 5 inches, what is the area?

• 32 square inches

• 13 square inches

• 20 square inches

• 40 square inches

What mistake might people make when calculating the area of a parallelogram?

• Using the slanted side as the height

• Adding the base and height

• Using the perimeter instead of the area

• Multiplying the base by itself