Year 6 - Maths
Solve problems involving area and perimeter
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 apply understanding of calculation of area and perimeter of polygons to solve problems.
Key Notes
- Area and perimeter are calculated from the side lengths of 2D shapes.
- Perimeter is measured in units of length.
- Area is measured in squared units.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Area: Area is a measurement of a flat surface. It measures a 2D space.
- Perimeter: The distance around a 2D shape is its perimeter.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Because area and perimeter are so often discussed alongside each other - as is the case with this lesson - pupils often get the two confused.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Area and perimeter are calculated from the side lengths of 2D shapes. Perimeter is measured in units of length.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Area'
Area is a measurement of a flat surface. It measures a 2D space. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Because area and perimeter are so often discussed alongside each other - as is the case with this lesson - pupils often get the two confused. Correction: By now pupils should be very familiar with area and perimeter, so that they can apply the knowledge to problem solving. However, spend time going over the definitions at the start and ensure pupils have access to visual reminders.
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 parallelogram 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 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
Browse all guides in the Year 6 Maths guide library.