Knowledge of finding the area of rectangles and triangles enables us to find
the area of other plane
figures. For example, we can find the area of
plane figures such as a parallelogram,
trapezium, rhombus
and kite.
Area of a Parallelogram
A parallelogram
is a quadrilateral that has two pairs of
parallel sides of equal length.
Consider the area of the following parallelogram.
To calculate the area of a parallelogram divide it into two parts that
can form a rectangle. This is possible if we cut off one end of the
parallelogram (i.e. triangle AFD) and add it to the other end to form
the rectangle FGCD, as shown below.
It is clear from the diagram that the area of the shape has not changed.
Example 3
Find the area of the following parallelogram.
Solution:
So, the area of the parallelogram is 288 cm2.
Remember:
- A parallelogram
is a quadrilateral that has two pairs of parallel
sides of equal length.
- The area of the parallelogram is given by the following formula where b
is the length of the base of the parallelogram and h is its
perpendicular height.
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