Mathematics
Grade 7
15 min
Area and perimeter: word problems
Area and perimeter: word problems
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify whether a word problem requires calculating area or perimeter.
Select the appropriate formula for area or perimeter based on the given geometric shape.
Extract relevant numerical information from word problems to solve for area or perimeter.
Solve multi-step word problems involving area and perimeter of rectangles, squares, and triangles.
Correctly apply units of measurement to their final answers for area and perimeter.
Interpret and verify the reasonableness of their solutions in the context of the word problem.
Ever wondered how much fence you need for a garden, or how much paint to buy for a wall? 🤔 These are real-life puzzles that require understanding area and perimeter!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to tackle word problems involv...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
AreaThe amount of two-dimensional space a flat surface or shape covers, measured in square units.The area of a classroom floor tells you how much carpet is needed to cover it.
PerimeterThe total distance around the outside edge of a two-dimensional shape.The perimeter of a garden tells you how much fencing is needed to enclose it.
DimensionsMeasurements such as length, width, height, or side length that define the size of a geometric shape.A rectangle's dimensions are its length and its width.
Word ProblemA mathematical problem presented in a narrative or descriptive form, requiring careful reading and interpretation to identify the mathematical task.“A rectangular garden is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide. What is its area?” is a word problem.
Units of Measurement...
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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 rectangular surface.
Perimeter of a Rectangle
$P = 2(l + w)$ or $P = 2l + 2w$
To find the perimeter of a rectangle, add the lengths of all four sides, or add the length and width and multiply by 2. Use this when you need to find the distance around a rectangular shape.
Area of a Triangle
$A = \frac{1}{2} \times b \times h$
To find the area of a triangle, multiply half of its base ($b$) by its height ($h$). Use this when you need to find the space covered by a triangular surface.
Perimeter of a Triangle
$P = a + b + c$
To find the perimeter of a triangle, add the lengths of its three sides ($a$, $b$, and $c$). Us...
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Easy
A school principal wants to buy a new ribbon to go around the border of a rectangular bulletin board. Which of the following calculations should the principal use to find the total length of ribbon needed?
A.Perimeter, because it measures the distance around the outside of a shape.
B.Area, because it measures the space inside a shape.
C.Perimeter, because it measures the space inside a shape.
D.Area, because it measures the distance around the outside of a shape.
Easy
A farmer is calculating the amount of seed needed to cover a rectangular field. The final answer for the space the seeds will cover should be in which type of units?
A.Meters (m)
B.Square meters (m²)
C.Cubic meters (m³)
D.Kilograms (kg)
Easy
Leo is building a rectangular frame for a painting. The frame needs to be 30 cm long and 20 cm wide. How much wood does Leo need for the entire frame?
A.50 cm
B.600 cm
C.100 cm
D.60 cm
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