Year 6 - Maths
Explain how to calculate the area of a parallelogram
Area, perimeter, position and direction
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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 explain how to calculate the area of a parallelogram and a triangle. They will describe the relationship between scale factors and side lengths. They will describe positions in all 4 quadrants.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to recall and explain how to calculate the area of a parallelogram.
Key Notes
- The area of a parallelogram is equal to the area of the rectangle created by rearranging the parts.
- Any parallelogram has a base and a perpendicular height.
- The area of a parallelogram is equal to its base multiplied by its perpendicular height.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Perpendicular: Two lines are perpendicular if they meet at a right angle.
- Parallelogram: A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel and equal sides.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils might believe the perpendicular height of any parallelogram to be one of its side lengths. This is only true of a rectangle.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
The area of a parallelogram is equal to the area of the rectangle created by rearranging the parts. Any parallelogram has a base and a perpendicular height.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Perpendicular'
Two lines are perpendicular if they meet at a right angle. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils might believe the perpendicular height of any parallelogram to be one of its side lengths. This is only true of a rectangle. Correction: Take time to exemplify perpendicular height with a focus on the right angle created. Make use of examples within the lesson and include additional unusual parallelograms to secure understanding.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Describe the relationship between scale factors and perimeters of two shapes Study Guide
- Draw and complete simple shapes by plotting positions on the full coordinate grid Study Guide
- Draw and translate simple shapes on the full coordinate grid Study Guide
- Explain how to calculate the area of a triangle Study Guide
- Reflect simple shapes in the axes on a full coordinate grid Study Guide
- Solve problems involving area and perimeter Study Guide
- Solve problems involving missing coordinates Study Guide
- Use the area of a parallelogram formula to calculate unknown measurements Study Guide
- Use the area of a triangle to calculate unknown measurements Study Guide
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