Question

find the area of the shape. (sides meet at right angles.)

Explanation:

Step1: Divide the shape into rectangles

We can divide the given shape into two rectangles. One rectangle has dimensions 3 ft by 5 ft and the other has dimensions 1 ft by 2 ft.

Step2: Calculate area of first rectangle

The area formula for a rectangle is $A = l\times w$. For the rectangle with length $l = 5$ ft and width $w = 3$ ft, $A_1=3\times5 = 15$ square - feet.

Step3: Calculate area of second rectangle

For the rectangle with length $l = 2$ ft and width $w = 1$ ft, $A_2=1\times2=2$ square - feet.

Step4: Calculate total area

The total area $A$ of the shape is the sum of the areas of the two rectangles. So $A = A_1+A_2=15 + 2=17$ square - feet.

Answer:

17