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Last updated on July 11th, 2025

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Volume of Quadrilateral

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The concept of volume applies to three-dimensional objects, but when discussing quadrilaterals, we focus on area instead of volume. A quadrilateral is a 2D shape with four sides and can take various forms such as squares, rectangles, trapezoids, and parallelograms. Finding the area of quadrilaterals involves different formulas depending on the type. In real life, understanding the area helps in tasks like flooring, painting, or gardening. In this topic, let’s explore the area of quadrilaterals.

Volume of Quadrilateral for Indonesian Students
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What is the area of a quadrilateral?

The area of a quadrilateral is the amount of space it occupies in a plane. It is calculated using different formulas depending on the type of quadrilateral: 

 

For a rectangle: Area = length x width - For a square: Area = side² 

 

For a trapezoid: Area = 1/2 x (base1 + base2) x height 

 

For a parallelogram: Area = base x height

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How to Derive the Area of a Quadrilateral?

To derive the area of a quadrilateral, we use specific formulas based on its shape:

 

For rectangles and squares, the area is straightforward as length x width or side². 

 

For trapezoids and parallelograms, the formula involves the base and height.

 

By knowing the dimensions, you can substitute them into the appropriate formula to find the area.

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How to find the area of a quadrilateral?

The area of a quadrilateral is expressed in square units, such as square centimeters (cm²) or square meters (m²).

 

Use the formula that corresponds to the type of quadrilateral:

 

For squares, use side². - For rectangles, use length x width. 

For trapezoids, use 1/2 x (base1 + base2) x height. 

For parallelograms, use base x height.

 

Substitute the given measurements into the formula to calculate the area.

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Tips and Tricks for Calculating the Area of Quadrilaterals

Remember the formulas: -

 

Square: Area = side² 

Rectangle: Area = length x width 

Trapezoid: Area = 1/2 x (base1 + base2) x height 

Parallelogram: Area = base x height

 

Simplify the numbers: 

 

  • If dimensions are simple numbers, calculations become straightforward. 
  • Check units to ensure consistency in the final result.
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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Area of Quadrilaterals

Making mistakes while learning the area of quadrilaterals is common. Let’s look at some common mistakes and how to avoid them to get a better understanding of quadrilaterals.

Mistake 1

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Confusing Area with Perimeter

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Some students confuse the formula for area with the formula for perimeter. Perimeter is the total length around the shape, while the area is the space within it.

Mistake 2

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Using the wrong formula for different quadrilaterals

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Each quadrilateral has its own formula for area. Ensure you use the correct one based on the shape's properties.

Mistake 3

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Mixing up base and height in trapezoids and parallelograms

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Incorrectly identifying or measuring the base and height can lead to wrong calculations. Ensure these are perpendicular measurements.

Mistake 4

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Inconsistent units

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Using different units for length and width can lead to incorrect area calculations. Always convert to the same units before calculating.

Mistake 5

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Incorrect calculation of dimensions

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Ensure to measure dimensions accurately and use them correctly in the formula to avoid errors in area calculations.

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Area of Quadrilateral Examples

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Problem 1

A rectangle has a length of 8 cm and a width of 5 cm. What is its area?

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The area of the rectangle is 40 cm².

Explanation

To find the area of a rectangle, use the formula: Area = length x width Here, length is 8 cm and width is 5 cm,

 

so: Area = 8 x 5 = 40 cm²

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Problem 2

A square has a side length of 6 m. Find its area.

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The area of the square is 36 m².

Explanation

To find the area of a square, use the formula: Area = side²

 

Substitute the side length (6 m): Area = 6² = 6 x 6 = 36 m²

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Problem 3

The area of a trapezoid is 64 cm², with bases of 8 cm and 12 cm. What is the height?

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The height of the trapezoid is 8 cm.

Explanation

If you know the area of the trapezoid and the lengths of the bases, use the formula to find the height: Area = 1/2 x (base1 + base2) x height

 

Solve for height: 64 = 1/2 x (8 + 12) x height 64 = 1/2 x 20 x height 64 = 10 x height

 

height = 64 / 10 = 6.4 cm

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Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 4

A parallelogram has a base of 9 inches and a height of 4 inches. Find its area.

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The area of the parallelogram is 36 inches².

Explanation

Using the formula for the area of a parallelogram: Area = base x height Substitute the base (9 inches) and height (4 inches):

 

Area = 9 x 4 = 36 inches²

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Problem 5

A trapezoid has bases of 7 feet and 5 feet, and a height of 3 feet. How much area does it cover?

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The trapezoid covers an area of 18 square feet.

Explanation

Using the formula for the area of a trapezoid: Area = 1/2 x (base1 + base2) x height Substitute the bases (7 feet and 5 feet) and height (3 feet):

 

Area = 1/2 x (7 + 5) x 3 = 1/2 x 12 x 3 = 18 ft²

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FAQs on Area of Quadrilaterals

1.Is the area of a quadrilateral the same as the perimeter?

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2.How do you find the area if the side lengths are given for a square?

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3.What if I have the area of a rectangle and need to find one of its sides?

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4.Can the side length be a decimal or fraction?

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5.Are the formulas for area the same for all quadrilaterals?

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Important Glossaries for Area of Quadrilateral

  • Quadrilateral: A four-sided polygon which can take various forms like squares, rectangles, trapezoids, and parallelograms.

 

  • Area: The amount of space enclosed within a 2D shape, expressed in square units.

 

  • Base: A reference side of a quadrilateral, used in area calculations, especially for trapezoids and parallelograms.

 

  • Height: The perpendicular distance from the base to the opposite side, crucial in calculating the area of trapezoids and parallelograms.

 

  • Square Units: Units used to express area, such as cm² or m², indicating the number of 1x1 squares that fit inside the shape.
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Seyed Ali Fathima S

About the Author

Seyed Ali Fathima S a math expert with nearly 5 years of experience as a math teacher. From an engineer to a math teacher, shows her passion for math and teaching. She is a calculator queen, who loves tables and she turns tables to puzzles and songs.

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Fun Fact

: She has songs for each table which helps her to remember the tables

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