Area of a Parallelogram
A parallelogram has the same area rule as a rectangle built with the same base and perpendicular height. The key is to use the base and the height, not the slanted side.
1) Identify the correct measurements
- Base: any side can be chosen as the base.
- Height: the perpendicular distance from that base to the opposite side.
- Do not use a slanted side unless it is given as the base and the height is still perpendicular.
2) Use the area formula
area = base × height
Multiply the two numbers or expressions carefully. If the values include units, the answer should be in square units.
3) Simplify the result
If the answer is a fraction, reduce it. If it is an expression, combine like terms or simplify products as needed.
4) Check your work
- Make sure the height is perpendicular to the chosen base.
- Confirm the units are squared.
- A quick reasonableness check: a parallelogram with the same base and height as a rectangle should have the same area.
Example method
- Pick the base.
- Find the perpendicular height.
- Multiply base by height.
- Simplify the final answer.