← Measure the figure in overlaps and the squares cancel out · Overlap Reduces the Total

Measure the figure in overlaps and the squares cancel out · 12 practice problems

6.G.A.16.EE.B.75.NF.B.4

Generated variants — 12

Freshly produced from the archetype’s parameters — problem, figure, and solution derived together.

Variant 1 easy answer: 11201\frac{1}{20} cm²

The figure at the right is made by overlapping 22 congruent squares, and the whole figure covers 514 cm25\frac{1}{4}\ \text{cm}^2. If one square's area is 33 times the area of the overlap, what is the area of the overlap, in cm2\text{cm}^2?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

Two identical squares overlap. The figure they make covers 5 and 1/4 square centimetres, and each square is 3 times the overlap. We want the overlap's area.

Givens
  • The whole figure covers 5 and 1/4 cm2.
  • One square is 3 times the overlap.
  • The two squares are congruent.
Unknowns
  • The area of the overlap.
Constraints
  • Neither square's own area is given.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#13 Convert to Algebra · also uses: #1 Draw a Diagram#7 Identify Subproblems

The only area named twice is the overlap, so make it the unit. Every piece of the picture is then a whole number of overlaps and the unknown squares disappear from the arithmetic.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Call the overlap one unit

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
Then each square is 3 units, since a square is 3 times the overlap.
square=3×overlap\text{square} = 3 \times \text{overlap}
Everything is now counted in overlaps.

2Count the figure in units

#1 Draw a Diagram 6.G.A.1
Two squares are 6 units, but the overlap sits in both of them and was counted twice, so take one back off.
3+31=53 + 3 - 1 = 5
The whole figure is 5 overlaps.

3Turn units into square centimetres

#7 Identify Subproblems 5.NF.B.4
5 units cover 5 and 1/4 cm2, so one unit is that divided by 5.
514÷5=11205\frac{1}{4} \div 5 = 1\frac{1}{20}
The overlap is 1 and 1/20 cm2.
Answer: 11201\frac{1}{20} cm²
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

A square is then 3 and 3/20 cm2, two squares are 6 and 3/10 cm2, and taking the doubled overlap off leaves 5 and 1/4 cm2 -- the figure we were given.

Another way: Writing the overlap as a letter and solving 5×=5145 \times \square = 5\frac{1}{4} is the same reasoning with the picture put into symbols.

Standardsmin grade 6
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Counting the composite figure as pieces that do not overlap.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving one equation for the unit area.
  • 5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction — Scaling a fractional area up and down by whole numbers.
💡Takeaway. Pick the piece that appears in both shapes as your unit, then count the picture in that unit.
Variant 2 easy answer: 1131\frac{1}{3} cm²

The figure at the right is made by overlapping 22 congruent squares, and the whole figure covers 623 cm26\frac{2}{3}\ \text{cm}^2. If one square's area is 33 times the area of the overlap, what is the area of the overlap, in cm2\text{cm}^2?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

Two identical squares overlap. The figure they make covers 6 and 2/3 square centimetres, and each square is 3 times the overlap. We want the overlap's area.

Givens
  • The whole figure covers 6 and 2/3 cm2.
  • One square is 3 times the overlap.
  • The two squares are congruent.
Unknowns
  • The area of the overlap.
Constraints
  • Neither square's own area is given.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#13 Convert to Algebra · also uses: #1 Draw a Diagram#7 Identify Subproblems

The only area named twice is the overlap, so make it the unit. Every piece of the picture is then a whole number of overlaps and the unknown squares disappear from the arithmetic.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Call the overlap one unit

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
Then each square is 3 units, since a square is 3 times the overlap.
square=3×overlap\text{square} = 3 \times \text{overlap}
Everything is now counted in overlaps.

2Count the figure in units

#1 Draw a Diagram 6.G.A.1
Two squares are 6 units, but the overlap sits in both of them and was counted twice, so take one back off.
3+31=53 + 3 - 1 = 5
The whole figure is 5 overlaps.

3Turn units into square centimetres

#7 Identify Subproblems 5.NF.B.4
5 units cover 6 and 2/3 cm2, so one unit is that divided by 5.
623÷5=1136\frac{2}{3} \div 5 = 1\frac{1}{3}
The overlap is 1 and 1/3 cm2.
Answer: 1131\frac{1}{3} cm²
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

A square is then 4 cm2, two squares are 8 cm2, and taking the doubled overlap off leaves 6 and 2/3 cm2 -- the figure we were given.

Another way: Writing the overlap as a letter and solving 5×=6235 \times \square = 6\frac{2}{3} is the same reasoning with the picture put into symbols.

Standardsmin grade 6
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Counting the composite figure as pieces that do not overlap.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving one equation for the unit area.
  • 5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction — Scaling a fractional area up and down by whole numbers.
💡Takeaway. Pick the piece that appears in both shapes as your unit, then count the picture in that unit.
Variant 3 easy answer: 45\frac{4}{5} cm²

The figure at the right is made by overlapping 22 congruent squares, and the whole figure covers 715 cm27\frac{1}{5}\ \text{cm}^2. If one square's area is 55 times the area of the overlap, what is the area of the overlap, in cm2\text{cm}^2?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

Two identical squares overlap. The figure they make covers 7 and 1/5 square centimetres, and each square is 5 times the overlap. We want the overlap's area.

Givens
  • The whole figure covers 7 and 1/5 cm2.
  • One square is 5 times the overlap.
  • The two squares are congruent.
Unknowns
  • The area of the overlap.
Constraints
  • Neither square's own area is given.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#13 Convert to Algebra · also uses: #1 Draw a Diagram#7 Identify Subproblems

The only area named twice is the overlap, so make it the unit. Every piece of the picture is then a whole number of overlaps and the unknown squares disappear from the arithmetic.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Call the overlap one unit

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
Then each square is 5 units, since a square is 5 times the overlap.
square=5×overlap\text{square} = 5 \times \text{overlap}
Everything is now counted in overlaps.

2Count the figure in units

#1 Draw a Diagram 6.G.A.1
Two squares are 10 units, but the overlap sits in both of them and was counted twice, so take one back off.
5+51=95 + 5 - 1 = 9
The whole figure is 9 overlaps.

3Turn units into square centimetres

#7 Identify Subproblems 5.NF.B.4
9 units cover 7 and 1/5 cm2, so one unit is that divided by 9.
715÷9=457\frac{1}{5} \div 9 = \frac{4}{5}
The overlap is 4/5 cm2.
Answer: 45\frac{4}{5} cm²
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

A square is then 4 cm2, two squares are 8 cm2, and taking the doubled overlap off leaves 7 and 1/5 cm2 -- the figure we were given.

Another way: Writing the overlap as a letter and solving 9×=7159 \times \square = 7\frac{1}{5} is the same reasoning with the picture put into symbols.

Standardsmin grade 6
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Counting the composite figure as pieces that do not overlap.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving one equation for the unit area.
  • 5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction — Scaling a fractional area up and down by whole numbers.
💡Takeaway. Pick the piece that appears in both shapes as your unit, then count the picture in that unit.
Variant 4 medium answer: 111241\frac{11}{24} cm²

The figure at the right is made by overlapping 22 congruent squares, and the whole figure covers 438 cm24\frac{3}{8}\ \text{cm}^2. If one square's area is 22 times the area of the overlap, what is the area of the overlap, in cm2\text{cm}^2?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

Two identical squares overlap. The figure they make covers 4 and 3/8 square centimetres, and each square is 2 times the overlap. We want the overlap's area.

Givens
  • The whole figure covers 4 and 3/8 cm2.
  • One square is 2 times the overlap.
  • The two squares are congruent.
Unknowns
  • The area of the overlap.
Constraints
  • Neither square's own area is given.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#13 Convert to Algebra · also uses: #1 Draw a Diagram#7 Identify Subproblems

The only area named twice is the overlap, so make it the unit. Every piece of the picture is then a whole number of overlaps and the unknown squares disappear from the arithmetic.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Call the overlap one unit

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
Then each square is 2 units, since a square is 2 times the overlap.
square=2×overlap\text{square} = 2 \times \text{overlap}
Everything is now counted in overlaps.

2Count the figure in units

#1 Draw a Diagram 6.G.A.1
Two squares are 4 units, but the overlap sits in both of them and was counted twice, so take one back off.
2+21=32 + 2 - 1 = 3
The whole figure is 3 overlaps.

3Turn units into square centimetres

#7 Identify Subproblems 5.NF.B.4
3 units cover 4 and 3/8 cm2, so one unit is that divided by 3.
438÷3=111244\frac{3}{8} \div 3 = 1\frac{11}{24}
The overlap is 1 and 11/24 cm2.
Answer: 111241\frac{11}{24} cm²
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

A square is then 2 and 11/12 cm2, two squares are 5 and 5/6 cm2, and taking the doubled overlap off leaves 4 and 3/8 cm2 -- the figure we were given.

Another way: Writing the overlap as a letter and solving 3×=4383 \times \square = 4\frac{3}{8} is the same reasoning with the picture put into symbols.

Standardsmin grade 6
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Counting the composite figure as pieces that do not overlap.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving one equation for the unit area.
  • 5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction — Scaling a fractional area up and down by whole numbers.
💡Takeaway. Pick the piece that appears in both shapes as your unit, then count the picture in that unit.
Variant 5 easy answer: 1161\frac{1}{6} cm²

The figure at the right is made by overlapping 22 congruent squares, and the whole figure covers 816 cm28\frac{1}{6}\ \text{cm}^2. If one square's area is 44 times the area of the overlap, what is the area of the overlap, in cm2\text{cm}^2?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

Two identical squares overlap. The figure they make covers 8 and 1/6 square centimetres, and each square is 4 times the overlap. We want the overlap's area.

Givens
  • The whole figure covers 8 and 1/6 cm2.
  • One square is 4 times the overlap.
  • The two squares are congruent.
Unknowns
  • The area of the overlap.
Constraints
  • Neither square's own area is given.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#13 Convert to Algebra · also uses: #1 Draw a Diagram#7 Identify Subproblems

The only area named twice is the overlap, so make it the unit. Every piece of the picture is then a whole number of overlaps and the unknown squares disappear from the arithmetic.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Call the overlap one unit

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
Then each square is 4 units, since a square is 4 times the overlap.
square=4×overlap\text{square} = 4 \times \text{overlap}
Everything is now counted in overlaps.

2Count the figure in units

#1 Draw a Diagram 6.G.A.1
Two squares are 8 units, but the overlap sits in both of them and was counted twice, so take one back off.
4+41=74 + 4 - 1 = 7
The whole figure is 7 overlaps.

3Turn units into square centimetres

#7 Identify Subproblems 5.NF.B.4
7 units cover 8 and 1/6 cm2, so one unit is that divided by 7.
816÷7=1168\frac{1}{6} \div 7 = 1\frac{1}{6}
The overlap is 1 and 1/6 cm2.
Answer: 1161\frac{1}{6} cm²
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

A square is then 4 and 2/3 cm2, two squares are 9 and 1/3 cm2, and taking the doubled overlap off leaves 8 and 1/6 cm2 -- the figure we were given.

Another way: Writing the overlap as a letter and solving 7×=8167 \times \square = 8\frac{1}{6} is the same reasoning with the picture put into symbols.

Standardsmin grade 6
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Counting the composite figure as pieces that do not overlap.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving one equation for the unit area.
  • 5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction — Scaling a fractional area up and down by whole numbers.
💡Takeaway. Pick the piece that appears in both shapes as your unit, then count the picture in that unit.
Variant 6 medium answer: 4855\frac{48}{55} cm²

The figure at the right is made by overlapping 22 congruent squares, and the whole figure covers 935 cm29\frac{3}{5}\ \text{cm}^2. If one square's area is 66 times the area of the overlap, what is the area of the overlap, in cm2\text{cm}^2?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

Two identical squares overlap. The figure they make covers 9 and 3/5 square centimetres, and each square is 6 times the overlap. We want the overlap's area.

Givens
  • The whole figure covers 9 and 3/5 cm2.
  • One square is 6 times the overlap.
  • The two squares are congruent.
Unknowns
  • The area of the overlap.
Constraints
  • Neither square's own area is given.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#13 Convert to Algebra · also uses: #1 Draw a Diagram#7 Identify Subproblems

The only area named twice is the overlap, so make it the unit. Every piece of the picture is then a whole number of overlaps and the unknown squares disappear from the arithmetic.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Call the overlap one unit

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
Then each square is 6 units, since a square is 6 times the overlap.
square=6×overlap\text{square} = 6 \times \text{overlap}
Everything is now counted in overlaps.

2Count the figure in units

#1 Draw a Diagram 6.G.A.1
Two squares are 12 units, but the overlap sits in both of them and was counted twice, so take one back off.
6+61=116 + 6 - 1 = 11
The whole figure is 11 overlaps.

3Turn units into square centimetres

#7 Identify Subproblems 5.NF.B.4
11 units cover 9 and 3/5 cm2, so one unit is that divided by 11.
935÷11=48559\frac{3}{5} \div 11 = \frac{48}{55}
The overlap is 48/55 cm2.
Answer: 4855\frac{48}{55} cm²
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

A square is then 5 and 13/55 cm2, two squares are 10 and 26/55 cm2, and taking the doubled overlap off leaves 9 and 3/5 cm2 -- the figure we were given.

Another way: Writing the overlap as a letter and solving 11×=93511 \times \square = 9\frac{3}{5} is the same reasoning with the picture put into symbols.

Standardsmin grade 6
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Counting the composite figure as pieces that do not overlap.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving one equation for the unit area.
  • 5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction — Scaling a fractional area up and down by whole numbers.
💡Takeaway. Pick the piece that appears in both shapes as your unit, then count the picture in that unit.
Variant 7 medium answer: 1121\frac{1}{2} cm²

The figure at the right is made by overlapping 22 congruent squares, and the whole figure covers 1012 cm210\frac{1}{2}\ \text{cm}^2. If one square's area is 44 times the area of the overlap, what is the area of the overlap, in cm2\text{cm}^2?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

Two identical squares overlap. The figure they make covers 10 and 1/2 square centimetres, and each square is 4 times the overlap. We want the overlap's area.

Givens
  • The whole figure covers 10 and 1/2 cm2.
  • One square is 4 times the overlap.
  • The two squares are congruent.
Unknowns
  • The area of the overlap.
Constraints
  • Neither square's own area is given.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#13 Convert to Algebra · also uses: #1 Draw a Diagram#7 Identify Subproblems

The only area named twice is the overlap, so make it the unit. Every piece of the picture is then a whole number of overlaps and the unknown squares disappear from the arithmetic.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Call the overlap one unit

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
Then each square is 4 units, since a square is 4 times the overlap.
square=4×overlap\text{square} = 4 \times \text{overlap}
Everything is now counted in overlaps.

2Count the figure in units

#1 Draw a Diagram 6.G.A.1
Two squares are 8 units, but the overlap sits in both of them and was counted twice, so take one back off.
4+41=74 + 4 - 1 = 7
The whole figure is 7 overlaps.

3Turn units into square centimetres

#7 Identify Subproblems 5.NF.B.4
7 units cover 10 and 1/2 cm2, so one unit is that divided by 7.
1012÷7=11210\frac{1}{2} \div 7 = 1\frac{1}{2}
The overlap is 1 and 1/2 cm2.
Answer: 1121\frac{1}{2} cm²
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

A square is then 6 cm2, two squares are 12 cm2, and taking the doubled overlap off leaves 10 and 1/2 cm2 -- the figure we were given.

Another way: Writing the overlap as a letter and solving 7×=10127 \times \square = 10\frac{1}{2} is the same reasoning with the picture put into symbols.

Standardsmin grade 6
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Counting the composite figure as pieces that do not overlap.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving one equation for the unit area.
  • 5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction — Scaling a fractional area up and down by whole numbers.
💡Takeaway. Pick the piece that appears in both shapes as your unit, then count the picture in that unit.
Variant 8 medium answer: 14151\frac{4}{15} cm²

The figure at the right is made by overlapping 22 congruent squares, and the whole figure covers 1125 cm211\frac{2}{5}\ \text{cm}^2. If one square's area is 55 times the area of the overlap, what is the area of the overlap, in cm2\text{cm}^2?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

Two identical squares overlap. The figure they make covers 11 and 2/5 square centimetres, and each square is 5 times the overlap. We want the overlap's area.

Givens
  • The whole figure covers 11 and 2/5 cm2.
  • One square is 5 times the overlap.
  • The two squares are congruent.
Unknowns
  • The area of the overlap.
Constraints
  • Neither square's own area is given.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#13 Convert to Algebra · also uses: #1 Draw a Diagram#7 Identify Subproblems

The only area named twice is the overlap, so make it the unit. Every piece of the picture is then a whole number of overlaps and the unknown squares disappear from the arithmetic.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Call the overlap one unit

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
Then each square is 5 units, since a square is 5 times the overlap.
square=5×overlap\text{square} = 5 \times \text{overlap}
Everything is now counted in overlaps.

2Count the figure in units

#1 Draw a Diagram 6.G.A.1
Two squares are 10 units, but the overlap sits in both of them and was counted twice, so take one back off.
5+51=95 + 5 - 1 = 9
The whole figure is 9 overlaps.

3Turn units into square centimetres

#7 Identify Subproblems 5.NF.B.4
9 units cover 11 and 2/5 cm2, so one unit is that divided by 9.
1125÷9=141511\frac{2}{5} \div 9 = 1\frac{4}{15}
The overlap is 1 and 4/15 cm2.
Answer: 14151\frac{4}{15} cm²
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

A square is then 6 and 1/3 cm2, two squares are 12 and 2/3 cm2, and taking the doubled overlap off leaves 11 and 2/5 cm2 -- the figure we were given.

Another way: Writing the overlap as a letter and solving 9×=11259 \times \square = 11\frac{2}{5} is the same reasoning with the picture put into symbols.

Standardsmin grade 6
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Counting the composite figure as pieces that do not overlap.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving one equation for the unit area.
  • 5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction — Scaling a fractional area up and down by whole numbers.
💡Takeaway. Pick the piece that appears in both shapes as your unit, then count the picture in that unit.
Variant 9 hard answer: 5152\frac{51}{52} cm²

The figure at the right is made by overlapping 22 congruent squares, and the whole figure covers 1234 cm212\frac{3}{4}\ \text{cm}^2. If one square's area is 77 times the area of the overlap, what is the area of the overlap, in cm2\text{cm}^2?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

Two identical squares overlap. The figure they make covers 12 and 3/4 square centimetres, and each square is 7 times the overlap. We want the overlap's area.

Givens
  • The whole figure covers 12 and 3/4 cm2.
  • One square is 7 times the overlap.
  • The two squares are congruent.
Unknowns
  • The area of the overlap.
Constraints
  • Neither square's own area is given.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#13 Convert to Algebra · also uses: #1 Draw a Diagram#7 Identify Subproblems

The only area named twice is the overlap, so make it the unit. Every piece of the picture is then a whole number of overlaps and the unknown squares disappear from the arithmetic.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Call the overlap one unit

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
Then each square is 7 units, since a square is 7 times the overlap.
square=7×overlap\text{square} = 7 \times \text{overlap}
Everything is now counted in overlaps.

2Count the figure in units

#1 Draw a Diagram 6.G.A.1
Two squares are 14 units, but the overlap sits in both of them and was counted twice, so take one back off.
7+71=137 + 7 - 1 = 13
The whole figure is 13 overlaps.

3Turn units into square centimetres

#7 Identify Subproblems 5.NF.B.4
13 units cover 12 and 3/4 cm2, so one unit is that divided by 13.
1234÷13=515212\frac{3}{4} \div 13 = \frac{51}{52}
The overlap is 51/52 cm2.
Answer: 5152\frac{51}{52} cm²
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

A square is then 6 and 45/52 cm2, two squares are 13 and 19/26 cm2, and taking the doubled overlap off leaves 12 and 3/4 cm2 -- the figure we were given.

Another way: Writing the overlap as a letter and solving 13×=123413 \times \square = 12\frac{3}{4} is the same reasoning with the picture put into symbols.

Standardsmin grade 6
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Counting the composite figure as pieces that do not overlap.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving one equation for the unit area.
  • 5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction — Scaling a fractional area up and down by whole numbers.
💡Takeaway. Pick the piece that appears in both shapes as your unit, then count the picture in that unit.
Variant 10 hard answer: 15221\frac{5}{22} cm²

The figure at the right is made by overlapping 22 congruent squares, and the whole figure covers 1312 cm213\frac{1}{2}\ \text{cm}^2. If one square's area is 66 times the area of the overlap, what is the area of the overlap, in cm2\text{cm}^2?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

Two identical squares overlap. The figure they make covers 13 and 1/2 square centimetres, and each square is 6 times the overlap. We want the overlap's area.

Givens
  • The whole figure covers 13 and 1/2 cm2.
  • One square is 6 times the overlap.
  • The two squares are congruent.
Unknowns
  • The area of the overlap.
Constraints
  • Neither square's own area is given.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#13 Convert to Algebra · also uses: #1 Draw a Diagram#7 Identify Subproblems

The only area named twice is the overlap, so make it the unit. Every piece of the picture is then a whole number of overlaps and the unknown squares disappear from the arithmetic.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Call the overlap one unit

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
Then each square is 6 units, since a square is 6 times the overlap.
square=6×overlap\text{square} = 6 \times \text{overlap}
Everything is now counted in overlaps.

2Count the figure in units

#1 Draw a Diagram 6.G.A.1
Two squares are 12 units, but the overlap sits in both of them and was counted twice, so take one back off.
6+61=116 + 6 - 1 = 11
The whole figure is 11 overlaps.

3Turn units into square centimetres

#7 Identify Subproblems 5.NF.B.4
11 units cover 13 and 1/2 cm2, so one unit is that divided by 11.
1312÷11=152213\frac{1}{2} \div 11 = 1\frac{5}{22}
The overlap is 1 and 5/22 cm2.
Answer: 15221\frac{5}{22} cm²
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

A square is then 7 and 4/11 cm2, two squares are 14 and 8/11 cm2, and taking the doubled overlap off leaves 13 and 1/2 cm2 -- the figure we were given.

Another way: Writing the overlap as a letter and solving 11×=131211 \times \square = 13\frac{1}{2} is the same reasoning with the picture put into symbols.

Standardsmin grade 6
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Counting the composite figure as pieces that do not overlap.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving one equation for the unit area.
  • 5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction — Scaling a fractional area up and down by whole numbers.
💡Takeaway. Pick the piece that appears in both shapes as your unit, then count the picture in that unit.
Variant 11 hard answer: 100119\frac{100}{119} cm²

The figure at the right is made by overlapping 22 congruent squares, and the whole figure covers 1427 cm214\frac{2}{7}\ \text{cm}^2. If one square's area is 99 times the area of the overlap, what is the area of the overlap, in cm2\text{cm}^2?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

Two identical squares overlap. The figure they make covers 14 and 2/7 square centimetres, and each square is 9 times the overlap. We want the overlap's area.

Givens
  • The whole figure covers 14 and 2/7 cm2.
  • One square is 9 times the overlap.
  • The two squares are congruent.
Unknowns
  • The area of the overlap.
Constraints
  • Neither square's own area is given.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#13 Convert to Algebra · also uses: #1 Draw a Diagram#7 Identify Subproblems

The only area named twice is the overlap, so make it the unit. Every piece of the picture is then a whole number of overlaps and the unknown squares disappear from the arithmetic.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Call the overlap one unit

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
Then each square is 9 units, since a square is 9 times the overlap.
square=9×overlap\text{square} = 9 \times \text{overlap}
Everything is now counted in overlaps.

2Count the figure in units

#1 Draw a Diagram 6.G.A.1
Two squares are 18 units, but the overlap sits in both of them and was counted twice, so take one back off.
9+91=179 + 9 - 1 = 17
The whole figure is 17 overlaps.

3Turn units into square centimetres

#7 Identify Subproblems 5.NF.B.4
17 units cover 14 and 2/7 cm2, so one unit is that divided by 17.
1427÷17=10011914\frac{2}{7} \div 17 = \frac{100}{119}
The overlap is 100/119 cm2.
Answer: 100119\frac{100}{119} cm²
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

A square is then 7 and 67/119 cm2, two squares are 15 and 15/119 cm2, and taking the doubled overlap off leaves 14 and 2/7 cm2 -- the figure we were given.

Another way: Writing the overlap as a letter and solving 17×=142717 \times \square = 14\frac{2}{7} is the same reasoning with the picture put into symbols.

Standardsmin grade 6
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Counting the composite figure as pieces that do not overlap.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving one equation for the unit area.
  • 5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction — Scaling a fractional area up and down by whole numbers.
💡Takeaway. Pick the piece that appears in both shapes as your unit, then count the picture in that unit.
Variant 12 hard answer: 11451\frac{1}{45} cm²

The figure at the right is made by overlapping 22 congruent squares, and the whole figure covers 1513 cm215\frac{1}{3}\ \text{cm}^2. If one square's area is 88 times the area of the overlap, what is the area of the overlap, in cm2\text{cm}^2?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

Two identical squares overlap. The figure they make covers 15 and 1/3 square centimetres, and each square is 8 times the overlap. We want the overlap's area.

Givens
  • The whole figure covers 15 and 1/3 cm2.
  • One square is 8 times the overlap.
  • The two squares are congruent.
Unknowns
  • The area of the overlap.
Constraints
  • Neither square's own area is given.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#13 Convert to Algebra · also uses: #1 Draw a Diagram#7 Identify Subproblems

The only area named twice is the overlap, so make it the unit. Every piece of the picture is then a whole number of overlaps and the unknown squares disappear from the arithmetic.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Call the overlap one unit

#13 Convert to Algebra 6.EE.B.7
Then each square is 8 units, since a square is 8 times the overlap.
square=8×overlap\text{square} = 8 \times \text{overlap}
Everything is now counted in overlaps.

2Count the figure in units

#1 Draw a Diagram 6.G.A.1
Two squares are 16 units, but the overlap sits in both of them and was counted twice, so take one back off.
8+81=158 + 8 - 1 = 15
The whole figure is 15 overlaps.

3Turn units into square centimetres

#7 Identify Subproblems 5.NF.B.4
15 units cover 15 and 1/3 cm2, so one unit is that divided by 15.
1513÷15=114515\frac{1}{3} \div 15 = 1\frac{1}{45}
The overlap is 1 and 1/45 cm2.
Answer: 11451\frac{1}{45} cm²
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

A square is then 8 and 8/45 cm2, two squares are 16 and 16/45 cm2, and taking the doubled overlap off leaves 15 and 1/3 cm2 -- the figure we were given.

Another way: Writing the overlap as a letter and solving 15×=151315 \times \square = 15\frac{1}{3} is the same reasoning with the picture put into symbols.

Standardsmin grade 6
  • 6.G.A.1 Find area of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons by composing/decomposing — Counting the composite figure as pieces that do not overlap.
  • 6.EE.B.7 Solve one-step equations x+p=q and px=q — Solving one equation for the unit area.
  • 5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend understanding of multiplication to multiply a fraction by a fraction — Scaling a fractional area up and down by whole numbers.
💡Takeaway. Pick the piece that appears in both shapes as your unit, then count the picture in that unit.