What Are Compound Figures?
Compound figures are shapes made by combining two or more simple shapes like
rectangles, triangles, and circles.
To find the area of compound figures, we break them down into simpler shapes we know how to calculate,
find each area separately, and then add them together (or subtract if there are holes)!
How to Find the Area
1️⃣ Divide the shape into simpler parts (rectangles, triangles, etc.)
2️⃣ Calculate the area of each part
3️⃣ Combine the areas (add or subtract as needed)
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: The L-Shaped Room
Imagine you're helping your parents calculate how much carpet is needed for an L-shaped room:
💡 Try dividing this into two rectangles - one vertical and one horizontal!
1. Divide into Rectangle A (5m × 3m) and Rectangle B (2m × 4m)
2. Area A = 5 × 3 = 15m²
3. Area B = 2 × 4 = 8m²
4. Total Area = 15 + 8 = 23m²
Example 2: The Playground with a Sandbox
A rectangular playground (20m × 15m) has a circular sandbox (radius 2m) in one corner. What's the grassy area?
💡 Calculate the playground area first, then subtract the sandbox area (remember area of circle = πr²)!
1. Playground area = 20 × 15 = 300m²
2. Sandbox area = π × 2² ≈ 3.14 × 4 = 12.56m²
3. Grassy area = 300 - 12.56 = 287.44m²
Parent Tips 🌟
- Real-world practice: Measure compound areas in your home - like an L-shaped countertop or a garden with flower beds.
- Visual learning: Use graph paper to draw compound shapes and count squares for area verification.
- Game approach: Create a "treasure hunt" where each correctly solved area problem reveals a clue to the next location.