Perimeter of Composite Shapes

When the Formulas Fail

On the GED, you may encounter shapes where the formula sheet appears to fail. Perimeter of an "ice cream cone shape"? Perimeter of an "L-shape"? Neither is on the formula sheet. In cases like this, don't panic. Remember that the perimeter can always be found by adding up all the outer sides of a shape.

Help Me Keep All My Resources Open and Free

LEARN IT

Remember that perimeter is defined as "the distance around a 2-dimensional shape". Whether you are finding the perimeter of known shapes, like a triangle, or unknown shapes, you can always total the lengths of all the sides in order to get perimeter.

To find the perimeter of composite shapes:

  • Make sure every side-length is labeled with a length

  • To find missing lengths, use the properties of the composite shape in order to find missing side lengths.

  • Total the side lengths

Watch the Virtual GED Class video below for a complete explanation and tons of worked example problems. Refer to your GED Formula sheet and print out the example problems to follow along with the video lesson.

PRACTICE IT

Perimeter of Shapes Composed of Rectangles

Extend your knowledge of rectangles to finding the perimeter of shapes composed of rectangles.

Composite Shapes Experienced ALL

Find the perimeter of various compound shapes and the circumference of partial circles.

Exploring Perimeter.pdf

All my perimeter tricks in one place: estimation, math reasoning, composite shapes

WORKED EXAMPLES

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Example 5

Challenge 1

Challenge 2

Advanced

FacebookTikTokTwitterYouTubeFacebookEmail