8.06 Order and compare areas
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We can work out the area of a shape by seeing how many squares fit inside it. Try this question.
Find the area of the shape by counting the number of grid squares it covers.
Each grid square represents $1$1 square unit.
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When we compared length, we looked at which object was shorter, or longer than the other. We used number lines or lines to help us do this. We can do a similar thing with area, but instead of lines, we use squares.
| Line | Square |
|---|---|
 |
 |
When we compare area, we can use a square unit to do this. So if we are working with centimeters, we use a square measuring $1$1 cm x $1$1 cm. We can use the same method if we working with meters, but instead using a $1$1 m x $1$1 m square.
In this video, we'll compare some shapes using a $1$1 cm unit square.
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Question 1
Look at the two shapes laid on the grid.
Fill in the gaps below.
The area of Shape A is $\editable{}$ square units.
The area of Shape B is $\editable{}$ square units.
Which is the smallest shape?
Shape B
AShape A
B
Learn about comparing areas with different units
If two areas have the same value, but use different units, then we can compare them using their units.
For example, $4$4 square meters is larger than $4$4 square centimeters because a meter is longer than a centimeter.
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Question 2
Which of these is the larger area?
$36$36m2
A$36$36cm2
B
When comparing the area of objects, don't just compare the numbers. Remember to compare the units of measurement as well.