Step 5 Objective

Calculate the perimeter and area of simple compound shapes that can be split into rectangles.


Probing questions

happy learners

Why is it a good idea to split this shape into rectangles to find the area?

How do you go about calculating the dimensions of the rectangles in the compound shape?

Form a compound shape by pushing together two rectangles. Compare the areas and perimeters of the rectangles with those of the compound shape.

What has changed and why? What happens if you join the rectangles in a different way? Why?