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Area of Parallelograms Flashcards
GCSE Mathematics (Edexcel) 1MA1
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Area of a parallelogram formula
Area = base × perpendicular height
Definition of base in a parallelogram
The base is the length of one of the sides of the parallelogram.
Definition of perpendicular height in a parallelogram
The perpendicular height is the shortest distance between the base and the opposite side, measured at a right angle to the base.
Units for area of a parallelogram
The area is measured in square units, such as cm², m², etc.
Key property of opposite sides in a parallelogram
Opposite sides of a parallelogram are equal in length.
Key property of opposite angles in a parallelogram
Opposite angles of a parallelogram are equal.
How to find the perpendicular height if not given
Use trigonometry or other given dimensions to calculate the perpendicular height.
Effect of changing the base on the area
If the base increases and the perpendicular height stays the same, the area increases proportionally.
Effect of changing the perpendicular height on the area
If the perpendicular height increases and the base stays the same, the area increases proportionally.
Difference between parallelogram and rectangle area formula
Both use base × height, but in a parallelogram, the height must be perpendicular to the base, not necessarily a side.
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