Year 6 - Maths
Any parallelogram can be decomposed and the parts rearranged to form a rectangular parallelogram
Draw, compose and decompose shapes
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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 use knowledge of shape properties to draw, sketch and identify shapes.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how any parallelogram can be decomposed and the parts rearranged to form a rectangular parallelogram.
Key Notes
- The area of a parallelogram is equal to the area of the rectangle created by rearranging the parts.
- A parallelogram can be decomposed into a rectangle and 2 identical triangles.
- Rearranging the parts of a parallelogram helps to calculate the area.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Parallelogram: A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel and equal sides.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils who have learned about parallelograms often have a fixed idea of what they look like and do not realise that squares and other kinds of rectangles are also parallelograms.
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. A parallelogram can be decomposed into a rectangle and 2 identical triangles.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Parallelogram'
A parallelogram is a quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel and equal sides. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils who have learned about parallelograms often have a fixed idea of what they look like and do not realise that squares and other kinds of rectangles are also parallelograms. Correction: The lesson defines parallelograms, giving three criteria, including parallel sides and equal pairs of opposite angles. Reinforce with pupils that these match the set criteria.
More Lessons In This Unit
- 3D shapes can be composed from 2D nets Study Guide
- Reason about compound shapes using the relationship between side lengths and area and perimeter Study Guide
- Reason about shapes using the relationship between side lengths and area and perimeter Study Guide
- Shapes with the same areas can have different perimeters and vice versa Study Guide
- The same 3D shapes can be composed from different 2D nets Study Guide
- Two congruent triangles can be arranged to compose a parallelogram Study Guide
- Use knowledge of shape properties to draw shapes accurately using rulers and protractors Study Guide
- Use knowledge of shape properties to sketch and identify shapes Study Guide
- When a 2D shape is decomposed and the parts rearranged, the areas remains the same Study Guide
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