Question

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

Explanation:

Step1: Divide the shape

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

Step2: Calculate area of first rectangle

The area formula for a rectangle is $A = l\times w$. For the first rectangle with length $l = 5$ cm and width $w = 3$ cm, $A_1=5\times3 = 15$ $cm^2$.

Step3: Calculate area of second rectangle

For the second rectangle with length $l = 2$ cm and width $w = 1$ cm, $A_2=2\times1=2$ $cm^2$.

Step4: Calculate total area

The total area $A$ of the shape is the sum of the areas of the two rectangles, $A = A_1+A_2$. So $A=15 + 2=17$ $cm^2$.

Answer:

17