Question

Paul builds a rectangular garden in his backyard, which is enclosed by a triangular fence. He wants to know how much of the backyard is not covered by the garden. What mathematical expression or equation can Paul use to calculate the area of the backyard that is not covered by the garden?

Answer 1

Paul can subtract the area of his rectangular garden from the total area of his triangular backyard to find the area not covered by the garden. He'll need to calculate the two areas using their respective formulas.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the area of the backyard that is not covered by the garden, Paul can use the following mathematical expression: Area of Backyard - Area of Garden. He would need to know the total area of his triangular fenced backyard and the area of his rectangular garden. The area of a rectangle is calculated using the formula length × width, so he would use the dimensions of his garden to calculate this. The area of a triangle is calculated using the formula 1/2 × base × height, so he would need the base and height of the triangular backyard to calculate that area. Subtracting the area of the garden from the total area of the backyard will give him the area that is not covered by the garden.