10.4Composite Figures
Quick Answer
To find the area of a composite figure, decompose it into simpler shapes (rectangles, triangles, semicircles), find each area, then add or subtract as needed.
Essential Question
How does decomposing a complex figure into simpler shapes make it possible to find its area using formulas you already know?
Learning Goals
- 1Identify the simpler shapes that make up a composite figure.
- 2Add areas to find the total area of a composite figure.
- 3Subtract areas when a region is removed from a larger shape.
- 4Find the perimeter of a composite figure by tracing its boundary.
Key Vocabulary
Composite figure
A figure made up of two or more simple geometric shapes.
Area addition
Finding the total area of a composite figure by summing the areas of its parts.
Area subtraction
Finding the area of a figure with a hole by subtracting the removed area from the total.
Full lesson content coming soon
Worked examples, guided practice problems, a workbook, quiz, and downloadable PDF resources will be added to this lesson in Phase 2. The learning goals and vocabulary above reflect the complete lesson scope.