KEY CONCEPT KEY

CONCEPT

The area of a two-dimensional composite figure is the sum of the areas of

all the shapes that compose it. The surface area of a three-dimensional
composite figure is the sum of the areas of all its faces.
Two-dimensional composite figure Three-dimensional composite figure

Add the areas of

Add the areas of each face of the
each face of the triangular prism,
A rectangular prism, A B but not the face
but not the face that is shared
B that is shared with with Figure A.
C Figure B.
A + B + C = total area
Surface area of shape A + Surface area of shape B
= Surface area of composite shape

Do You Understand? Do You Know How?

1. Essential Question   How is finding the area 4. Paula is painting a henhouse. If a can of paint
of composite two-dimensional figures similar to will cover 24 square feet, how many cans of
finding the surface area of three-dimensional paint does she need to buy? Explain the steps
figures? she might take to solve this problem.

5. Find the area of the composite figure. The two

2. Make Sense and Persevere  Laine wants to triangles have the same dimensions.
determine the amount of fabric needed to cover
a triangular prism-shaped box. She begins by 2.5 cm
measuring the dimensions of the box. Explain
her next steps. MP.1
8 cm

7.5 cm

13 cm
3. Use Structure  Explain how you would find the
surface area of the figure below. MP.7

6. A stage block is being covered in carpet. The

dimensions of the block are 2 feet by 3 feet by
6 feet. Every surface will need covering except
for the surface touching the floor, which is 3 feet
by 6 feet. How would you calculate the surface
area that needs covering?

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