Math Clip Art--Composite Figures--Simple Composite Shapes: 08

Topic

Geometry Concepts

Description

This image illustrates a sawtooth composite shape made up of a rectangle and four congruent equilateral triangles. This configuration is often seen in mechanical designs and architectural elements.

To calculate the total area of this composite figure, we would add the area of the rectangle (l * w) to the areas of the four equilateral triangles (A = (√3/4)s² for each). The perimeter would involve summing the lengths of all outer sides, excluding any shared edges.

This figure provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the properties of rectangles and equilateral triangles, including symmetry and angle measures. It also demonstrates how combining these shapes can create more complex and functional designs.

Teacher's Script: "Examine this sawtooth shape. How would you approach calculating its total area and perimeter? What properties of rectangles and equilateral triangles can you identify in this figure? Can you think of any real-world applications where a shape like this might be useful, perhaps in design or engineering?"

For a complete collection of math clip art related to Geometry click on this link: Math Clip Art: Geometry Concepts Collection.