RELATING ALGEBRA AND GEOMETRY -- FINDING AREA AND PERIMETER OF THE PUZZLES

1. Show the previous page, Directions for Finding the Value of the Area and Perimeter of the Puzzles - Graphic, to the students.

2. Show Directions for Finding the Area and Perimeter of the Puzzles. The statement on the page poses the problem of FINDING the area and the perimeter (in terms of a and b) of the three original puzzles made with Dr. Super's Triangles (the rectangle and two triangles) given at the beginning of the presentation.

Note 1: A template of the 3 size triangles with the side lengths marked in terms of a and b is shown at the bottom of this page. Remind the participants that they can use these sides as needed to find the area and the perimeter of the puzzles.

Note 2: Depending upon the time available, you may want participants to find the area and perimeter for one, two or all three puzzles. The larger triangle (the one made with 3 medium triangles) is the most difficult of the three.