Mathematics
Grade 5
15 min
Area and perimeter: word problems
Area and perimeter: word problems
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Distinguish between problems requiring area and problems requiring perimeter.
Identify the relevant information needed to solve area and perimeter word problems.
Select and apply the correct formula for area or perimeter of rectangles and squares.
Solve single-step and multi-step word problems involving area and perimeter.
Express answers with the correct units (square units for area, linear units for perimeter).
Check the reasonableness of their solutions to area and perimeter problems.
Have you ever wondered how much fence you need for a backyard, or how much carpet to buy for your bedroom? 🤔 These are real-life puzzles we can solve with math!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to tackle word problems that ask you to find the area or perimeter of s...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
AreaThe amount of surface inside a two-dimensional shape. It is measured in square units.If a rug covers 20 square feet of floor, its area is 20 square feet.
PerimeterThe total distance around the outside edge of a two-dimensional shape.If you walk around the edge of a rectangular park, the total distance you walk is the perimeter.
Length (l)The measurement of the longest side of a rectangle or the side of a square.A rectangular table might have a length of 5 feet.
Width (w)The measurement of the shorter side of a rectangle.A rectangular table might have a width of 3 feet.
Square UnitA unit used to measure area, such as square inches ($in^2$), square feet ($ft^2$), or square meters ($m^2$).A small tile might cover 1 square foot.
Linear UnitA unit used to measure leng...
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Core Formulas
Area of a Rectangle
$A = l \times w$
To find the area of a rectangle, multiply its length (l) by its width (w). Use this when you need to cover a surface.
Perimeter of a Rectangle
$P = 2 \times (l + w)$ or $P = l + w + l + w$
To find the perimeter of a rectangle, add the lengths of all its four sides. An easier way is to add the length and width, then multiply by 2. Use this when you need to find the distance around an object.
Area of a Square
$A = s \times s$
To find the area of a square, multiply the length of one side (s) by itself. (Since all sides are equal, length and width are the same).
Perimeter of a Square
$P = 4 \times s$
To find the perimeter of a square, multiply the length of one side (s) by 4. (Since all sides are equal, you just add 's�...
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A rectangular field has a perimeter of 30 meters. If the length of the field is 10 meters, what is its area?
A.20 square meters
B.50 square meters
C.100 square meters
D.200 square meters
Challenging
Two rectangular gardens both have an area of 36 square feet. Garden A is 9 feet long and 4 feet wide. Garden B is a square with sides of 6 feet. Which garden requires more fencing to go around it?
A.Garden A
B.Garden B
C.They require the same amount of fencing.
D.Cannot be determined.
Challenging
A farmer has 24 meters of fencing to build a rectangular pen. To give his animals the most space, which dimensions should he use?
A.Length 10 m, Width 2 m
B.Length 9 m, Width 3 m
C.Length 6 m, Width 6 m (a square)
D.Length 8 m, Width 4 m
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