Area of Parallelogram

A parallelogram can be cut and rearranged into a rectangle, so its area is \(\text{base} \times \text{perpendicular height}\). This NSW Year 7 maths subtopic (NESA outcome MA4‑ARE‑C‑01) explains why the formula works and why the sloping side is not used.

You will apply \(A = b \times h\), spot the perpendicular height even when it is drawn outside the shape, find a missing base or height from the area, convert units first, and solve problems about car-park spaces, mural panels and mulch for a garden bed. You will also see that a diagonal cuts it into two matching triangles. It is part of Year 7 Area and Volume.