Question

which value is closest to the area of the following figure, in square feet?

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the area of the upper triangle

The formula for the area of a triangle is \(A=\frac{1}{2}\times base\times height\). For the upper triangle, the base is \(8\) ft and the height is \(9\) ft. So, \(A_1 = \frac{1}{2}\times8\times9= 36\) square feet.

Step2: Calculate the area of the lower triangle

For the lower triangle, the base is \(8\) ft and the height is \(8\) ft. Using the area formula \(A=\frac{1}{2}\times base\times height\), we get \(A_2=\frac{1}{2}\times8\times8 = 32\) square feet.

Step3: Calculate the total area

The total area \(A = A_1+A_2\). So, \(A=36 + 32=68\) square feet.

Answer:

\(68\) square feet.