Year 5 - Maths
Choose an efficient way to decompose a compound shape to calculate the area
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 choose the most effective way to decompose a shape into rectangles in order to calculate the area.
Key Notes
- Different methods for finding the area of compound rectilinear shapes will work in different situations.
- Compound rectilinear shapes can be split in different ways in order to calculate the area.
- Compare different methods to decompose shapes and decide which is the most efficient.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Compound: A compound shape is made up of two or more shapes.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- That a shape always has to be split into smaller shapes in order to calculate the area.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Different methods for finding the area of compound rectilinear shapes will work in different situations. Compound rectilinear shapes can be split in different ways in order to calculate the area.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Compound'
A compound shape is made up of two or more shapes. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: That a shape always has to be split into smaller shapes in order to calculate the area. Correction: Show different ways to calculate area using the same shape. It can be split in different ways, completed and an area subtracted or a part cut and fitted into a gap.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Calculate missing dimensions in rectangles and compound rectilinear shapes Study Guide
- Calculate the area of 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
- 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
Browse all guides in the Year 5 Maths guide library.