6.GR.1 Group 2 · Challenge

Practice Set · Part 1

Determine the Area of Parallelograms and Rhombuses

Pick up where we left off

Name: Date: Group:

Where we left off

Our goal: I can find the area of a parallelogram using base × height, explain why the method works, and use it on a problem I have not seen before.

The big idea: Area of a parallelogram = base × height, where the height is the straight-up (perpendicular) distance, NOT the slanted side — and you can say why it is true, and where it would stop being true.

Model to copy — Watch me

  1. I have a parallelogram with a base of 14 feet and a height of 9 feet.
  2. I write the formula: A = base × height.
  3. I put in the numbers: A = 14 × 9.
  4. I multiply: 14 × 9 = 126.
  5. So the area is 126 square feet. I used the height of 9, not the slanted side.

Start here

You did these with your group. Now do them on your own — the model above is yours to copy.

  1. 1

    Same stepsFinish what the group started. Use the model above, step for step.

    Try it together — then prove it: Now a smaller parallelogram: base = 5 cm, height = 4 cm. What is the formula? A = base × height. What do we put in? A = 5 × 4. What is 5 × 4? Yes, 20, so the area is 20 square centimeters. Now prove it: say why that move had to work at all — not just that it did.
    Show your work
  2. 2

    Warm restartA bus travels 45 miles each hour. Which equation gives the distance d after h hours?

    1. Ad = 45h
    2. Bd = 45 + h
    3. Cd = h ÷ 45
    4. Dd = 45 − h

    How do you know?

  3. 3

    Warm restartUsing d = 45h, how far does the bus travel in 6 hours?

    1. A270 miles
    2. B51 miles
    3. C7.5 miles
    4. D45 miles

    How do you know?

  4. 4

    Warm restartA table shows x = 1, 2, 3 with y = 6, 12, 18. Which equation fits?

    1. Ay = 6x
    2. By = x + 5
    3. Cy = x + 6
    4. Dy = 6 + x

    How do you know?

5.1 Small Group · Group 2 · Practice SetPart 1 of 4
6.GR.1 Group 2 · Challenge

Practice Set · Part 2

Determine the Area of Parallelograms and Rhombuses

Keep going

You answered these out loud. Now write them.

Answer, then say how you know — the reason is the part that counts.

  1. 5

    Think it throughWhat is the area of the parallelogram courtyard?

    1. A180 sq ft
    2. B28 sq ft
    3. C90 sq ft
    4. D56 sq ft

    Why is that the answer?

  2. 6

    Think it throughHow many tiles does the architect need?

    1. A90
    2. B180
    3. C360
    4. D45

    How do you know? Give a second reason as well.

  3. 7

    Think it throughWhy use the height instead of the slanted side length?

    1. ABecause area needs the perpendicular distance between the two bases
    2. BBecause the slanted side is always longer
    3. CBecause parallelograms have no height
    4. DBecause the base is on the bottom

    Explain your thinking. What would have to change for a different choice to be right?

  4. 8

    Back to the modelIf you cut a triangle from one side of the parallelogram and move it to the other side, what shape do you get? How does this help you find the area?

5.1 Small Group · Group 2 · Practice SetPart 2 of 4
6.GR.1 Group 2 · Challenge

Practice Set · Part 3

Determine the Area of Parallelograms and Rhombuses

Words and reasoning

Word bank · Banco de palabras

Area of Parallelograms (Área de paralelogramos)Slanted side (Lado inclinado)Parallelogram (Paralelogramo)Parallel (Paralelas)Base (Base)Height (Altura)Perpendicular (Perpendicular)Area (Área)

Use the words

Fill each blank with a word from the bank.

Explain the thinking

  1. 9

    Find the mistakeAnother student made this exact mistake in this lesson. Explain why it is wrong, then write what they should have done.

    The mistake: The most common mistake in Area of Parallelograms is multiplying the base by the slanted side instead of the perpendicular height.
  2. 10

    Say moreOn the grid you cut a triangle off one end of the parallelogram and slid it to the other side. What shape did you make, and why does that prove the area is base x height?

  3. 11

    Write your ownWrite your own problem about this situation, then solve it and show the answer. The situation: The Dockland building in Hamburg, Germany, is built in the shape of a parallelogram leaning over the water.

    Show your work
5.1 Small Group · Group 2 · Practice SetPart 3 of 4
6.GR.1 Group 2 · Challenge

Practice Set · Part 4

Determine the Area of Parallelograms and Rhombuses

Show what you know

Last check

These two come from Lesson 4.5. If they are shaky, that is the lesson to revisit — not this one.

  1. 12

    Show what you knowExplain your thinking — A parallelogram has a base of 13 inches and a height of 5 inches. What is its area?

    1. A65 sq in
    2. B36 sq in
    3. C18 sq in
    4. D65 in

    Explain your choice.

  2. 13

    From Lesson 4.5Explain your thinking — A sweater's sale price is $42, which is 60% of the original price. What was the original price?

    1. A$70, because 42 ÷ 0.6 = 70
    2. B$25.20, because 0.6 × 42 = 25.20
    3. C$102, because 42 + 60 = 102
    4. D$60, because the percent is 60

    How do you know?

  3. 14

    From Lesson 4.5If the percent given is less than 100%, the whole must be…

    1. ALarger than the part
    2. BSmaller than the part
    3. CEqual to the part
    4. DImpossible to find

    How do you know?

Be honest — this tells your teacher what to do next

I can…Not yetGetting thereGot it
I can find the area of a parallelogram using base × height, explain why the method works, and use it on a problem I have not seen before.
I can explain why it works: Area of a parallelogram = base × height, where the height is the straight-up (perpendicular) distance…
I can justify my answer to a skeptic and connect it to a second strategy or representation.

One question I want to ask my group next time