Question

How to get the right answer

Answer 1

You could break down the shape and then get to the area but there is a better way.

The picture looks like a rectangle with a chunk pulled off it.

Let just imagine that it was a perfect rectangle.

Its dimensions would be 57 by 36 (20+16).

Perfect Rectangle Area = 57x36 = 2052
`cm^(2)`

Now, let us find the area of the indent and subtract that from the previous area.

Indent Area = 16 x (57-15-15) = 16x27 = 432
`cm^(2)`

Real Area = 2052
`cm^(2)` - 432
`cm^(2)` = 1620
`cm^(2)`

answer = 1620
`cm^(2)`