An irregular hexagon - Math Central

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Question from Emma, a student:

Hello,
I have math question about how to find the area of an irregular hexagon.
It is shaped like a backwards L and the side lengths are as follows
11cm
8cm
5cm
5cm
6 cm
3cm
Can you please help me find the area of this?
Emma

Hi Emma,

Is this what you are describing, with all the corners right angles?

backwards L

If this is the correct diagram then 6 cm side down until it meets the 8 cm base. This partitions the hexagon into a 5 cm by 5 cm square and a 3 cm by 11 cm rectangle.

I hope this helps,
Penny

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