Calculate Parallelogram Area: 5-Unit Base and 6-Unit Height Problem

Parallelogram Area with Perpendicular Height

Calculate the area of the following parallelogram:

666555

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Calculate the area of the parallelogram
00:04 We'll use the formula for calculating the area of a parallelogram (height times side)
00:08 We'll substitute the side that is the height in the parallelogram
00:18 We'll substitute values according to the given data, calculate and solve
00:22 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Calculate the area of the following parallelogram:

666555

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the exercise, we need to remember the formula for the area of a parallelogram:

Side * Height perpendicular to the side

In the diagram, although it's not presented in the way we're familiar with, we are given the two essential pieces of information:

Side = 6

Height = 5

Let's now substitute these values into the formula and calculate to get the answer:

6 * 5 = 30

3

Final Answer

30 cm²

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Formula: Area = base × perpendicular height to that base
  • Technique: Base = 5 units, height = 6 units gives 5 × 6 = 30
  • Check: Height must be perpendicular to base, not side length ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Using slant side instead of perpendicular height
    Don't use the slanted side length as height = wrong calculation! The slant side is longer than the perpendicular height and gives an inflated area. Always use the perpendicular distance between parallel sides as 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.

6664.54.54.5

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I use the slanted side as height?

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The height must be the perpendicular distance between parallel sides. The slanted side is longer and would give you the wrong area. Think of it like measuring the height of a building - you measure straight up, not along a ramp!

How do I know which measurement is the base and which is the height?

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In this problem, the base is 5 units (horizontal dashed line) and the height is 6 units (vertical line with right angle marker). The height is always perpendicular to the base.

What if the parallelogram looks tilted or rotated?

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No problem! The area formula A=base×height A = base \times height works for any parallelogram orientation. Just identify any side as your base, then find the perpendicular distance to the opposite side.

Why is my answer 30 without units?

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Great catch! Since the diagram shows measurements of 5 units and 6 units, your area is 30 square units. Always include proper units in your final answer!

Can I use a different base and height?

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Yes! You could use the other pair of parallel sides. As long as your height is perpendicular to your chosen base, you'll get the same area of 30 square units.

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