1. 11-4 Area of Parallelograms
Pettit 11-4 Notes
11-4 Area of Parallelograms
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Indicator (s): P8  Use formulas in problem-solving situations

2. Area of a Parallelogram
The area of a polygon is the number of square units inside the polygon.
Area is 2-dimensional like a carpet or an area rug.
A parallelogram is a 4-sided shape formed by two pairs of parallel lines.
Opposite sides are equal in length and opposite angles are equal in measure.

3. To find the area of a parallelogram, multiply the base by the height.
The formula is: a=b•h 
b is the base
h is the height
• means multiply.
The base and height of a parallelogram must be perpendicular. However, the lateral sides of a parallelogram are not perpendicular to the base. Thus, a dotted line is drawn to represent the height. Let's look at some examples involving the area of a parallelogram.

4. Example 1
Find the area of a parallelogram with a base of 12 centimeters and a height of 5 centimeters.
a=b•h
a=(12 cm)·(5 cm)
a= 60 cm2

5. Example 2
The area of a parallelogram is 24 square centimeters and the base is 4 centimeters. Find the height.
a=b•h
24cm2 =(4cm)·h
6cm = h

6. Just be sure to…
…multiply the base of the parallelogram times the height of the parallelogram.
NOT base times side.
height
height
side
base