Calculating the area and perimeter of complex shapes can seem hard at first. But once you break it down, it’s much simpler! Here’s how I do it:

Area Calculation:

1. Divide the Shape: Split the complex shape into simpler shapes like triangles, rectangles, and trapezoids.

2. Find the Area of Each Shape: Use these easy formulas:

   • For a Triangle: Area = 1/2 × base × height
   • For a Rectangle: Area = length × width
   • For a Trapezoid: Area = 1/2 × (base 1 + base 2) × height

3. Add Them Up: Add all the areas together to get the total area of the shape.

Perimeter Calculation:

1. Measure the Sides: Measure the length of each side of the shape.

2. Use the Formula: To find the perimeter, add up all the side lengths:
   Perimeter = side 1 + side 2 + side 3 + ... + side n

Just remember: Breaking things down makes everything a lot easier!