Which statement best describes how to find the area of a composite shape?

• A. Subdivide into simple shapes and add their areas.
• B. Subtract the sum of perimeters from a large area.
• C. Multiply all dimensions of the shape.
• D. Find the average of the areas of the parts.

Answer: (A)

To find the area of a composite shape, break the figure into smaller, simple shapes (like rectangles, triangles, or circles), find the area of each piece, and then add those areas together. This works because area adds up when you cover the whole shape with non-overlapping parts; the total area is simply the sum of the parts you’ve measured. Make sure the pieces fit together without gaps or overlaps so every part of the shape is included.

Subtracting the sum of perimeters from a large area isn’t related to area—perimeter measures boundary length, not how much space is inside. Multiplying all dimensions only works for simple rectangles in specific cases and would miss the irregular parts. Finding the average of the areas of the parts would not give the total area.