Max Maths, Year 6, Try it, Areas of compound shapes (1)

In the 'Max Maths' Year 6 curriculum, students are challenged to calculate the areas of compound shapes. The 'Try It' section provides a hands-on opportunity for learners to apply their understanding of area to various composite figures. Students are presented with three distinct shapes (a, b, and c) and are tasked with determining their respective areas. To perform these calculations, they must use the formula for the area of a rectangle, which is length multiplied by width. The exercises include a mixture of measurements in both metres and centimetres, requiring students to pay close attention to the units used and ensuring they remain consistent throughout their calculations.

The first shape (a) requires students to multiply the given dimensions (4 m by 3 m) to find the area in square metres. The second shape (b) is measured in centimetres, with dimensions of 4 cm by 6 cm, and the resulting area is to be expressed in square centimetres. Lastly, the third shape (c) is another example where dimensions are provided in metres, and students must calculate the area in square metres. It is crucial for students to remember to keep their units of length the same when calculating the area, as this is a common source of error and is emphasised in the instructions. This exercise not only reinforces their skills in finding the area of rectangles but also prepares them for dealing with more complex compound shapes in the future.