Calculate perimeter, area, surface area and volume.
Understand the concept
Mensuration applies measurement formulas to two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. Perimeter measures a boundary, area measures a surface and volume measures the space occupied by a solid.
Real problems often require unit conversion before a formula is used. Flooring, painting, packaging and room planning all depend on comparing measurements written in consistent units.
Example
Worked example
Plan tiles for a study room
A room is 8 m by 6 m. Square tiles have a side of 40 cm. How many tiles cover the floor before allowing for wastage?
Floor area = 8 × 6 = 48 m².
Convert 40 cm to 0.4 m, so one tile covers 0.4 × 0.4 = 0.16 m².
Number of tiles = 48 ÷ 0.16 = 300.
Answer 300 tiles are needed before adding any extra for wastage.