
In mathematics, area is a basic concept used to measure the space of a two-dimensional shape. In school geometry, as in everyday life, such as painting a wall, laying flooring, or planning a landscape, area can be used to approximate materials, expenses and space use.
Area is expressed in square units such as cm², m², or ft². Knowing what an area is, how to calculate it, and the area of geometric shapes is essential for students to solve both academic and practical problems effectively. Students can learn the meaning of area, step-by-step calculation methods, formulas for common shapes, and the difference between area and perimeter.
Read More: (a + b)³ Formula
In mathematics, area is defined as the area of a two-dimensional object as the sum of all the surface space contained by the sides of a figure. It tells us how much space a shape occupies.
Key Points About Area:
Measurement of area is two-dimensional.
Measured in square units like cm², m², or ft².
Applies to flat shapes like squares, rectangles, circles, triangles, and more.
Understanding the meaning of area helps students relate math concepts to practical situations like flooring, fencing, or gardening.
Learning how to calculate area is essential for geometry and real-life problem-solving. The method depends on the shape.
Steps to Calculate Area:
Identify the shape.
Measure required dimensions (length, width, radius, or height).
Apply the correct formula.
Express the result in square units.
Example Formulas:
Rectangle: Area = Length × Breadth
Circle: Area = π × r²
Understanding these methods ensures students can calculate the area of geometric shapes accurately.
A square has four equal sides and right angles. The area of a square is calculated by squaring the length of one side.
Formula: Area = Side × Side = s²
Example: If a square has side = 5 cm:
Area = 5 × 5 = 25 cm²
This is one of the simplest area of shapes formulas used in mathematics.
A rectangle has opposite sides equal and four right angles. Its area of a rectangle is found by multiplying the length and breadth.
Formula: Area = Length × Breadth
Example: Length = 8 cm, Breadth = 3 cm
Area = 8 × 3 = 24 cm²
This formula is widely used in calculating the area of geometric shapes in school and daily applications.
A circle is a round shape defined by its radius. The area is calculated using the constant π (pi ≈ 3.1416).
Formula: Area = π × r²
Example: Radius = 7 cm
Area = 3.1416 × 7²
= 3.1416 × 49
≈ 153.94 cm²
This formula helps calculate circular spaces like gardens, plates, or circular tracks.
Read More; Area of Semicircle
The table below provides common geometric shapes and their area formulas, helping students calculate areas accurately and efficiently. Using these formulas makes problem-solving easier and strengthens understanding of geometry.
|
Area of Different Shapes Formula |
||
|
Shape |
Formula |
Required Dimensions |
|
Square |
s² |
Side |
|
Rectangle |
l × b |
Length, Breadth |
|
Circle |
π × r² |
Radius |
|
Triangle |
1/2 × b × h |
Base, Height |
|
Parallelogram |
b × h |
Base, Height |
|
Trapezium |
1/2 × (a+b) × h |
Bases a & b, Height |
It is important to know the distinction between area and perimeter. Area is used to measure the amount of space a shape occupies, and perimeter is used to measure the total distance of the shape. This distinction is important for construction, design, and mathematical problems.
|
Difference Between Area and Perimeter |
||
|
Feature |
Area |
Perimeter |
|
Definition |
Space inside a shape |
Length around a shape |
|
Units |
Square units (cm², m²) |
Linear units (cm, m) |
|
Purpose |
Measures surface coverage |
Measures boundary length |
|
Example |
Square: s² |
Square: 4s |
Also Read: Surface Area of A Cube
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