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Year 10 - Maths

Problem solving with 2D shapes

2D and 3D shape: compound shapes

Unit Summary

In this unit, knowledge of circles and polygons is drawn upon to find the arc length and area of a circle sector and areas of complex compound shapes.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use your understanding of 2D shapes to solve problems.

Key Notes

  • When problem solving, consider whether any elements are familiar from other areas of maths.
  • Keep the goal in mind, it is easy to get distracted by too much information.
  • With diagrams, it can be beneficial to add information to them (such as extra lines).

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Area: The area is the size of the surface and states the number of unit squares needed to completely cover that surface.
  • Compound shape: A compound shape is a shape created using two or more basic shapes.
  • Composite shape: A composite shape is an alternative for a compound shape.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • When finding the perimeter of a rectilinear compound shape, pupils might sum the perimeters of each rectangle.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

When problem solving, consider whether any elements are familiar from other areas of maths. Keep the goal in mind, it is easy to get distracted by too much information.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Area'

The area is the size of the surface and states the number of unit squares needed to completely cover that surface. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: When finding the perimeter of a rectilinear compound shape, pupils might sum the perimeters of each rectangle. Correction: Part of the perimeter for each rectangle is inside the compound shape. Therefore, not all of the perimeter of each rectangle contributes towards the perimeter of the compound shape in this problem.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Maths guide library.