Year 5 - Maths
Calculate the area of compound rectilinear shapes
Link area of rectangles to multiplication
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will calculate the area of a rectangle using multiplication and use their knowledge of area to solve problems.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to calculate the area of compound rectilinear shapes.
Key Notes
- Use addition and subtraction to calculate missing side lengths in compound rectilinear shapes.
- Identify two different lengths which total another side length in a compound rectilinear shape.
- Use knowledge of the area of a rectangle to calculate the area of shapes made from two rectangles.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Compound: A shape made up of two or more other shapes is known as compound.
- Rectilinear: A shape where all angles composed of right angles is called a rectilinear shape.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Calculating the length of a side when the overall dimension and part dimensions are known and understanding when a part of the overall dimension is needed to calculate part of the area.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Use addition and subtraction to calculate missing side lengths in compound rectilinear shapes. Identify two different lengths which total another side length in a compound rectilinear shape.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Compound'
A shape made up of two or more other shapes is known as compound. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Calculating the length of a side when the overall dimension and part dimensions are known and understanding when a part of the overall dimension is needed to calculate part of the area. Correction: Look at shapes with missing dimensions and discussing that the overall length and width of a compound rectilinear shape is the total of the shorter side lengths in a particular direction. This allows missing or overall dimensions to be calculated.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Calculate missing dimensions in rectangles and compound rectilinear shapes Study Guide
- Calculate the area of shapes made from 2 or more rectangles Study Guide
- Calculate the area of shapes made from 2 rectangles by decomposing the shape in different ways Study Guide
- Calculate the areas of rectangles using multiplication Study Guide
- Choose an efficient way to decompose a compound shape to calculate the area Study Guide
- Explain how to calculate the area of a rectangle using multiplication Study Guide
- Measure the area of flat shapes using square centimetres Study Guide
- Measure the area of flat shapes using square metres Study Guide
- Use knowledge of area to solve problems in a range of contexts Study Guide
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