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Area Word Problems Step by Step Guide with Formulas

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How to Solve Area Word Problems Using Formulas and Worked Examples

We all are aware of what squares are and how to find the area of a square. But in area word problems on the topic square, we will find the area in which the four sides are given as equal. To find the area of a given square, we must ensure that the sides of the square are in the same unit of length. In case they are given in different units, change them to the same unit. Some area of square examples is given to better understand the topic.

What is a Square?

A regular quadrilateral in which all four sides are of equal length and all four angles are equal is considered a square. The angles of the square are 90 degrees each. Also, the square's diagonals are equal and bisect each other at 90 degrees.

A Square

A Square

The above figure represents a square in which all the sides are equal, and each angle is 90 degrees.


Similarly, a parallelogram with all of its two adjacent sides being equal with one right vertex angle is a square.

Properties of a Square

The properties of a square are listed below:

  • All the interior angles are equal to 90°

  • All the sides of the square are equal and congruent with each other

  • The opposite sides of the square are always parallel to each other

  • The diagonal of the square divides it into similar isosceles triangles

  • The length of diagonals is always greater than the sides of the square

  • The square’s diagonals bisect each other at 90°

  • Both diagonals of the square are equal to each other

  • The square contains 4 vertices and 4 sides

Area of Square Formula

Since we know that a square is a shape which has four equal sides and every angle is a right angle, i.e. 90°. And hence, the opposite sides are also parallel. So the area of the square can be found by measuring the space occupied within the square. The formula to calculate the square of its side gives it.


If ‘a’ is the side of the square, then its area is given by ${a}^2$.


Area of a Square


Area of a Square

Solved Word Problems on the Area of a Square

Some Solved Word Problems on the Area of a Square are given below:

Q 1. Find the area of a square whose length is 10 cm.

Ans: Given the length of a square = 10 cm


Square of 10 cm


Square of 10 cm


Area of a square $=$ length $\times$ length

$=10 \times 10 \mathrm{~cm}^2$

$=100 \mathrm{~cm}^2$

Thus, the area of the square is $100 \mathrm{~cm}^2$

Q 2. Find the area of a square whose side measures 45 cm.

Ans: Given the length of a square = 45 cm


Square of 45 cm


Square of 45 cm


Area of a square $=$ length $\times$ length

$=45 \times 45 \mathrm{~cm}^2$

$=2025 \mathrm{~cm}^2$

Thus, the area of the square is $2025 \mathrm{~cm}^2$.

Q 3. The length of a side of a square field is 200 m. What will be the cost of levelling the field at a rate of 10 rs per square metre?

Ans: Length of the square field = 200 m

Area of the field $=$ side $\times$ side

$=200 \mathrm{~m} \times 200 \mathrm{~m}$

$=40000 \mathrm{~m}^2$

Cost of levelling the field $=40000 \times 10 \mathrm{Rs}$

$=400000 \mathrm{Rs}$

Thus, the cost of levelling the field is 400000 Rs.


Practice Problems on the Area of a Square

Try the given practice problems on the area of a square:

Q 1. Find the area of the square whose sides are given below:

(i) 15 m

(ii) 250 m

(iii) 5 cm

(iv) 40 cm

(v) 10 m


Ans: (i) $225 \mathrm{~m}^2$

(ii) $62500 \mathrm{~m}^2$

(iii) $25 \mathrm{~cm}^2$

(iv) $1600 \mathrm{~cm}^2$

(v) $100 \mathrm{~m}^2$


Q 2. Find the area of the square of side $16 \mathrm{~cm}$.

Ans: $256 \mathrm{~cm}^2$


Q 3. Find the length of the square whose area is $100 \mathrm{~cm}^2$.

Ans: 10 cm


Summary

In this article, we learned about a quadrilateral square with four equal sides and all the angles as right angles, i.e. 90 degrees. The square's diagonals are equal and bisect each other at 90 degrees. We also learned about the various properties of squares and how we can calculate the area of squares. We also discussed the area of square examples to get to know how to find the area of a square of a given length easily.

FAQs on Area Word Problems Step by Step Guide with Formulas

1. What are area word problems in Maths?

Area word problems are questions that require you to calculate the area of a shape using information given in a real-life scenario. These problems typically involve:

  • Identifying the correct shape (rectangle, triangle, circle, etc.)
  • Using the appropriate area formula
  • Substituting the given measurements
  • Writing the answer in square units (e.g., cm², m²)
They commonly appear in topics like mensuration, geometry, and real-life applications of area.

2. What is the formula for area of a rectangle in word problems?

The formula for the area of a rectangle is Area = length × width.

  • Identify the length and width from the word problem.
  • Multiply the two values.
  • Write the answer in square units.
Example: If length = 8 m and width = 5 m, then Area = 8 × 5 = 40 m².

3. How do you solve area word problems step by step?

To solve area word problems, follow a clear step-by-step method: identify the shape, choose the formula, substitute values, and calculate.

  • Step 1: Read the question carefully and identify the shape.
  • Step 2: Write the correct area formula.
  • Step 3: Substitute the given measurements.
  • Step 4: Solve and include square units.
This method works for rectangles, triangles, circles, and composite shapes.

4. What is the formula for area of a triangle in word problems?

The area of a triangle is calculated using Area = ½ × base × height.

  • Identify the base and perpendicular height.
  • Multiply base and height.
  • Multiply the result by ½.
Example: If base = 10 cm and height = 6 cm, Area = ½ × 10 × 6 = 30 cm².

5. How do you find the area of a circle in a word problem?

The area of a circle is found using Area = πr², where r is the radius.

  • Identify the radius (half of the diameter if needed).
  • Square the radius.
  • Multiply by π (use 3.14 or 22/7).
Example: If r = 7 cm and π = 22/7, Area = 22/7 × 7 × 7 = 154 cm².

6. How do you solve composite area word problems?

Composite area problems are solved by dividing the figure into simpler shapes, finding each area, and adding or subtracting.

  • Break the shape into rectangles, triangles, or circles.
  • Calculate each area separately.
  • Add areas (or subtract if a part is removed).
This method is common in geometry and mensuration word problems.

7. What units are used in area word problems?

Area is always measured in square units such as cm², m², or ft².

  • Length units become squared when calculating area.
  • Example: If sides are in meters, the area is in .
  • Always include the unit in your final answer.
Forgetting square units is a common mistake in area calculations.

8. What are common mistakes in area word problems?

Common mistakes in area word problems include using the wrong formula, forgetting square units, or mixing units.

  • Confusing perimeter with area.
  • Not converting units before calculating.
  • Forgetting to square the radius in πr².
  • Missing the ½ in the triangle formula.
Carefully reading the question helps avoid these errors.

9. How do you convert units in area word problems?

To convert area units, you must square the conversion factor.

  • 1 m = 100 cm, so 1 m² = 100 × 100 = 10,000 cm².
  • Convert lengths first if needed before applying the area formula.
Always ensure all measurements are in the same unit before calculating area.

10. Can you give an example of a real-life area word problem?

A real-life area word problem might involve finding the area of a garden, room, or field.

  • Example: A rectangular garden is 12 m long and 9 m wide.
  • Use Area = length × width.
  • Area = 12 × 9 = 108 m².
Such problems apply area formulas to everyday situations in geometry and mensuration.