Question

find the area of the shape. (sides meet at right angles.)

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the area of the lower rectangle

The formula for the area of a rectangle is \(A = length\times width\). For the lower rectangle, the length is \(5\) inches and the width is \(3\) inches. So the area \(A_1=5\times3 = 15\) square inches.

Step2: Calculate the area of the upper rectangle

The upper rectangle has a length of \(1\) inch and a width of \(3\) inches. Using the area formula \(A = length\times width\), we get \(A_2 = 1\times3=3\) square inches.

Step3: Calculate the total area

The total area \(A\) of the shape is the sum of the areas of the two rectangles. So \(A=A_1 + A_2\). Substituting the values of \(A_1\) and \(A_2\), we have \(A=15 + 3=18\) square inches.

Answer:

\(18\)