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This topic finds the perimeter and area of rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, trapezia and compound shapes using the standard formulae. It's a core topic in GCSE and iGCSE Maths with Edexcel and the other major boards. This free interactive eClassroom course walks through each step with worked examples and instant-feedback questions, so you can practise until it's secure.
How you do it
Perimeter is the distance all the way round; area is the space inside. For compound shapes, split into rectangles and triangles, find each area, then add or subtract. Check the units — area is always squared.
Before you start
It assumes you can handle the four operations and units. It is Foundation and Higher tier material at GCSE and iGCSE. This is the foundation for surface area, volume and circles.
What you learn
Perimeter is the distance around a shape; area is the space inside it. A few formulas cover rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, trapeziums and compound shapes. The perimeter is the total distance around the edge (measured in cm). Area of a trapezium = ½ × (a + b) × h, where a and b are the two parallel sides. The course works through perimeter and area of rectangles, area of triangles and parallelograms and trapezium and compound shapes. Every section has instant-feedback practice questions matched to Edexcel iGCSE 4MA1 and the other major GCSE boards, and the course finishes with full exam-style questions you mark yourself.
Related Topics
Area & Perimeter is a Geometry topic in the GCSE syllabus, covered here at Foundation tier. You work through 3 concepts and 2 worked examples, testing yourself at 3 points. Students often pair it with Circle Theorems, Circles and Loci & Construction. Endless extra practice on this strand is available on the Geometry revision engine, which generates a fresh question each time.
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