Year 7 - Maths
Area of composite rectilinear shapes
Perimeter and area
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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 investigate how to calculate the area and perimeter of rectilinear shapes, and composite shapes using rectangles and triangles. They will also derive simple area formulae.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to find the area of composite rectilinear shapes in different ways.
Key Notes
- There are multiple ways to find the area of rectilinear composite shapes.
- The most efficient method may depend on the features of the shape.
- A method is to break the shape into rectangles.
- A method is to complete the shape.
- A method is to rearrange the shape.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Composite rectilinear shape: A composite rectilinear shape is a composite shape made from rectangles.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Breaking the shape into rectangles is always the best approach.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
There are multiple ways to find the area of rectilinear composite shapes. The most efficient method may depend on the features of the shape.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Composite rectilinear shape'
A composite rectilinear shape is a composite shape made from rectangles. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Breaking the shape into rectangles is always the best approach. Correction: There is not always enough information to use that method so flexible thinking is required.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Area of a trapezium Study Guide
- Area of a triangle Study Guide
- Calculating missing lengths with perimeter of polygons Study Guide
- Calculating missing side lengths from the area of a trapezium Study Guide
- Calculating missing side lengths from the area of composite rectilinear shapes Study Guide
- Checking understanding of perimeter and area Study Guide
- Finding the perimeter of polygons Study Guide
- Perimeter with composite rectilinear shapes Study Guide
- Problem solving with perimeter and area Study Guide
- Securing understanding of perimeter and area Study Guide
- Using the formula for the area of a triangle Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 7 Maths guide library.