Area of Composite Shapes

A composite shape is made from rectangles, triangles and parallelograms joined together, or a large shape with a piece removed. In NSW Year 7 maths (NESA outcome MA4‑ARE‑C‑01) you find its area by splitting it into simple parts.

You will add the parts or subtract a cut-out, work out missing lengths on L-shaped and stepped figures first, check with a second way of splitting, and find a missing length when the total area is known. Lawns with ponds, paths around gardens and shed walls with doors are typical examples. It is part of Year 7 Area and Volume.