9.
1 Area of Triangles, Rectangles, Quadrilaterals and
Polygons
Student Outcomes
▪ Students determine the area of composite figures in real-life contextual
situations using composition and decomposition of polygons.
▪ Students determine the area of a missing region using composition and
decomposition of polygons.
▪ Students construct the altitude for three different cases: an altitude that
is a side of a right angle, an altitude that lies over the base, and an altitude
that is outside the triangle.
▪ Students deconstruct triangles to justify that the area of a triangle is
exactly one half the area of a parallelogram.
Notes
Finding area in real-world contexts can be done around the classroom, in a
hallway, or in different locations around the school. This lesson requires the
teacher to measure and record the dimensions of several objects and calculate
the area ahead of time. Choices are dependent on time available and various
students’ needs. Different levels of student autonomy can be taken into account
when grouping and deciding which objects to measure. Further, the
measurement units and precision can be adjusted to students’ ability level.
Floor tile, carpet area, walls, and furniture in the classroom can be used for this
lesson. Smaller objects within the classroom may also be used, such as bulletin
boards, notebooks, windows, and file cabinets. Exploring the school building for
other real-world area problems might lead to a stage in an auditorium or
walkway around a school pool. Of course, adhere to school policy regarding
supervision of students, and be vigilant about safety. Students should not have
to climb to make measurements.
Throughout the lesson, there are opportunities to compare unsimplified
numerical expressions. These are important and should be emphasized because
they help prepare students for algebra.
Exercises
1. Calculate the area of each triangle. Figures are not drawn to scale.
20 in. 13 in.
29 in. 11 in.
A= (b × h) / 2
A = (40 × 13) / 2
A= 520 / 2 = 260 in² 1
12 ft.
4
1 2
9 ft. 14 ft.
2 8 A= (b × h) / 2
A= (12 1/4 × 9 1/2) / 2
A= (114 5/8) / 2 = 57 5/16
2. Below is a drawing of a wall that is to be covered with either wallpaper or
paint. The wall is 𝟏𝟎𝐟𝐭. high and 𝟐𝟎 𝐟𝐭. wide. The window, mirror, and
fireplace are not to be painted or papered. The window measures 𝟏𝟖 𝐢𝐧.
wide and 𝟏𝟒 𝐟𝐭. high. The fireplace is 𝟓 𝐟𝐭. wide and 𝟑 𝐟𝐭. high, while the
mirror above the fireplace is 𝟒 𝐟𝐭. wide and 𝟐 𝐟𝐭. high. (Note: this drawing
is not to scale.)
a. How many square feet of wallpaper are needed to cover the wall?
b. The wallpaper is sold in rolls that are 𝟏𝟖 𝐢𝐧. wide and 𝟑𝟑 𝐟𝐭. long. Rolls
of solid color wallpaper will be used, so patterns do not have to match
up.
i. What is the area of one roll of wallpaper?
ii. How many rolls would be needed to cover the wall?
c. This week, the rolls of wallpaper are on sale for $𝟏𝟓. 𝟗𝟗/roll. Find the
cost of covering the wall with wallpaper.
d. A gallon of special textured paint covers 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐟𝐭 𝟐 and is on sale
for $𝟐𝟐. 𝟗𝟗/gallon. The wall needs to be painted twice (the wall needs
two coats of paint). Find the cost of using paint to cover the wall.
3. A classroom has a length of 𝟑𝟎 𝐟𝐭. and a width of 𝟐𝟎 𝐟𝐭. The flooring is to
be replaced by tiles. If each tile has a length of 𝟑𝟔 𝐢𝐧. and a width of 𝟐𝟒 𝐢𝐧.,
how many tiles are needed to cover the classroom floor?
4. Challenge: Assume that the tiles from Problem 2 are unavailable.
Another design is available, but the tiles are square, 𝟏𝟖 𝐢𝐧. on a side. If
these are to be installed, how many must be ordered?
5. A rectangular flower bed measures 𝟏𝟎 𝐦 by 𝟔 𝐦. It has a path 𝟐 𝐦 wide
around it. Find the area of the path.
