Calculate Parallelogram Area: Finding Area with Base 9 and Height 4

Q: What's the difference between height and the slanted side?

The height is the perpendicular distance between the parallel sides, while the slanted side is longer. Think of it like the vertical drop from the top side down to the base - that's your height!

Q: Why don't I need all four side lengths?

Parallelogram area only depends on base × height. The formula doesn't use the slanted sides at all - just the base and the perpendicular distance between parallel sides!

Q: How can I tell which measurement is the height in the diagram?

Look for the right angle symbol (small square) where the height meets the base. The height line should be perpendicular to the base, forming a 90° angle.

Q: What if I get confused about which numbers to multiply?

Focus on the two measurements that form a right angle with each other. In this problem, that's the base (9) and the perpendicular height (4), not any diagonal measurements.

Area Formula with Base-Height Measurements

Calculate the area of the parallelogram using the data in the figure:

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:07 Let's find the area of the parallelogram.

00:10 Remember, in a parallelogram, opposite sides are equal.

00:14 We'll use the formula: base times height, to calculate the area.

00:19 Let's substitute the correct values and solve for the area.

00:23 And that's how we find the solution. Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Calculate the area of the parallelogram using the data in the figure:

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we must calculate the area of the given parallelogram using the formula:

$\text{Area} = \text{base} \times \text{height}$

Assuming the figure (as described) provides a base of $9$ units and a height of $4$ units, we substitute these values into the formula:

$\text{Area} = 9 \times 4 = 36 \text{ square units}$

The necessary calculations have been carried out using the correct dimensions, ensuring dimensional consistency and precise arithmetical methods. Therefore, the calculated area of the parallelogram is $36$ .

Given the multiple-choice options, the correct choice is the one specifying the area as $36$ , confirming the answer provided in choice 3.

Final Answer

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Formula: Area of parallelogram equals base times height
Technique: Multiply given dimensions: $9 \times 4 = 36$ square units
Check: Verify units are squared and measurements are perpendicular height ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Using slanted side length instead of perpendicular height
Don't measure the diagonal slanted side = wrong area calculation! The slanted side is longer than the true height, giving an overestimated area. Always use the perpendicular distance between parallel sides as the height.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

A parallelogram has a length equal to 6 cm and a height equal to 4.5 cm.

Calculate the area of the parallelogram.

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What's the difference between height and the slanted side?

The height is the perpendicular distance between the parallel sides, while the slanted side is longer. Think of it like the vertical drop from the top side down to the base - that's your height!

Does it matter which side I call the base?

No! You can use either pair of parallel sides as your base. Just make sure you use the perpendicular height that goes with your chosen base, not the slanted side.

Why don't I need all four side lengths?

Parallelogram area only depends on base × height. The formula doesn't use the slanted sides at all - just the base and the perpendicular distance between parallel sides!

How can I tell which measurement is the height in the diagram?

Look for the right angle symbol (small square) where the height meets the base. The height line should be perpendicular to the base, forming a 90° angle.

What if I get confused about which numbers to multiply?

Focus on the two measurements that form a right angle with each other. In this problem, that's the base (9) and the perpendicular height (4), not any diagonal measurements.

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