Area and perimeter: word problems
Key Notes :
๐ Perimeter
- Perimeter is the distance around a shape.
- Formula for rectangle:
P = 2 ร (length+width)
- Formula for square:
P = 4 ร side
- Tip: Walk around the shape in your mind ๐ฃ to find the perimeter.
๐ฆ Area
- Area is the space inside a shape.
- Formula for rectangle:
A = lengthรwidth
- Formula for square:
A = sideรside
- Tip: Imagine filling the shape with tiny squares ๐ฉ to find the area.
๐ Steps to Solve Word Problems
- Read carefully ๐ โ Identify length, width, or side.
- Decide whether you need area, perimeter, or both.
- Use the correct formula ๐งฎ.
- Check your units โ cmยฒ for area, cm for perimeter.
- Draw a diagram if needed โ๏ธ โ it helps visualize the problem.
๐ Common Word Problem Examples
- Finding the fence needed around a garden ๐ป โ perimeter.
- Finding the floor tiles required for a room ๐ซ โ area.
- Combining shapes โ add areas or perimeters carefully โ.
โก Tips & Tricks
- Convert units first if needed (m โ cm, cm โ m).
- Break complex shapes into rectangles, squares, or triangles.
- Always double-check your calculations โ๏ธ.
- Use labels on your diagram โ write length and width โ๏ธ.
๐จ Fun Emoji Hint
- ๐ณ Garden โ Perimeter (Fence)
- ๐งฑ Floor โ Area (Tiles)
- ๐ Stadium โ Perimeter (Running track) + Area (Field)
Learn with an example
โถ๏ธ A square market has a perimeter of 28 metres. How long is each side of the market?
โ___ metres
A square has 4 equal sides.
Divide the perimeter by 4 to find the length of each side:
28 รท 4 = 7

Each side is 7 metres long.
โถ๏ธ A square plastic tarp has a perimeter of 60 metres. How long is each side?
โ ______ metres
A square has 4 equal sides.
Divide the perimeter by 4 to find the length of each side:
60 รท 4 = 15

Each side is 15 metres long.
โถ๏ธ A rectangular vegetable patch is 3 metres wide and 5 metres long. What is its area?
โ ______ square metres

Multiply the length times the width:
3 ร 5 = 15
The area is 15 square metres.
Let’s practice!๐๏ธ

