How to Find the Area of a Parallelogram

This video tutorial explains how to find the area of a parallelogram. It begins by defining a parallelogram as a quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides and equal opposite sides. The video then covers how to calculate the area when the parallelogram is a square or rectangle, where angles are 90 degrees, and when the angles are not 90 degrees. It explains that knowing the perpendicular height and base length allows for area calculation. A visual demonstration shows how rearranging parts of the parallelogram can form a rectangle, making it easier to apply the area formula. The video concludes with practice questions.

Which of the following is a characteristic of a parallelogram?

• Two pairs of parallel sides

• Only one pair of parallel sides

• All angles are 90°

• All sides are equal

What additional information is needed to find the area of a parallelogram when the angles are not 90°?

• The length of the diagonal

• The perpendicular height

• The sum of all angles

• The perimeter

How can the area of a parallelogram be calculated when the angles are not right angles?

• By using the diagonal and one side

• By adding all side lengths

• By using the base and the perpendicular height

• By multiplying the lengths of any two sides

What transformation is used to simplify finding the area of a parallelogram?

• Moving a section to form a rectangle

• Rotating it into a circle

• Transforming it into a triangle

• Flipping it upside down

In the context of finding the area, what does the 'base' of a parallelogram refer to?

• The longest side

• The side parallel to the height

• The diagonal

• The shortest side