Area: unit squares and pattern blocks

In this lesson, we will learn:

• Area is the 2D measurement of the total space covered by a shape
• The area of a figure can be covered by pattern blocks
• The area of a figure made of unit squares is found by counting the total number of squares
• The formula shortcut for the area of a rectangular figure made of unit squares

Notes:

• Area is the measure of the amount of two-dimensional space covered by a shape


• Pattern blocks are coloured polygons used in classrooms to help understand area.
• There are four types of pattern blocks
• The smallest pattern block (green triangle) can fit into the other pattern blocks

Example: pattern blocks are used to cover the outline of a figure (covering the area)

• Area should be given as one type of unit only; all measurements are given in the same units
• i.e. I would say my book is as long as 2 as my index fingers. I would not say my book is the length of 1 of my fingers, 3 of my toes, and half a crayon long.
• In the previous example, it is better to give the area as 15 green blocks.

• Unit squares are building blocks of figures and measure 1 unit on all sides; the area of one centimeter unit square is 1cm². (For perimeter, these are called grid squares)
• To find the area of a shape/figure, count the total number of squares
• If the unit squares are arranged in a rectangular figure, use the formula: Area = length × width

Example: Find the area of this figure