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Math · Stage 6

Find the area of triangles and parallelograms

A parallelogram is a pushed-over rectangle, so its area is base × height. A triangle is exactly half of that parallelogram, so its area is (base × height) ÷ 2.

✦ Math📘 Stage 6 · S6⏱ ~14 min🧒 Ages 10–12★ Free to start
I can find the area of triangles and parallelograms.
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Kavi the owl for Math
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Kavi Tilts the Rectangle 📐

Kavi pushes a cardboard rectangle sideways until it leans — now it is a parallelogram. "Watch!" hoots Kavi. "Slide the slanted end straight across and it becomes a rectangle again, so its area is still base × height. And a triangle? Two of them snap together to make a parallelogram — so one triangle is exactly half: (base × height) ÷ 2. The secret is always the perpendicular height — straight up, never the slanted side."

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What your child will learn

1Both start from base × heightA parallelogram and a triangle both measure flat space, and both begin with base × height. Tap each card to see what each one does next.
2A parallelogram is a pushed-over rectangleCut the slanted triangle off one end and slide it to the other end — the parallelogram turns into a rectangle that is base × height. So area = base × height. Tap each part.
3A triangle is HALF of its parallelogramTake two copies of the same triangle and spin one around — they snap together into a parallelogram that is base × height. So one triangle is half: area = (base × height) ÷ 2. Tap each part.
4One keeps it, one halves itBoth formulas start with base × height and both answer in square units. The only difference is the ÷ 2. Tap each card.
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A peek inside

A parallelogram has a base of 7 cm and a height of 5 cm. Find its area.
area = base × height = 7 × 5 (no halving for a parallelogram)

Try this at home: A parallelogram has base 6 cm and height 4 cm. Area = 6 × 4 = __

Ready to play and learn?

Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.

Start the free lesson →⬇ Download PDF

Part of Math · Stage 6 · S6 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.