This activity opens with a picture that shows two individuals who have each built a patio using different arrangements of the same number of identical concrete tiles. Both patios have the same total area, and students are challenged to figure out the dimensions of a single concrete tile. The activity, part of the Figure This! collection of 80 math challenges emphasizing math in the real world, explains how area is an important concept used by architects, real estate agents, and artists. The Hint link calls students' attention to the patio arrangement, showing that five short sides of the tiles equal four long sides. Related questions ask students to solve perimeter problems and help them examine the relationship between area and perimeter. Answers to all questions and information about additional resources are provided. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse

Summary

Subject keyword(s)	Area, Area of polygons, Education, Mathematics, Measurement, Perimeter, Problem solving, Process skills
Grade level	Middle School, Informal Education
Intended audience	Learner
Resource type	Audio/Visual, Instructional Material
Resource format	image, image/gif, text, text/html
Rights	Content copyright 1999-2002 National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

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