A rectangle is partitioned into \(4\) smaller rectangles. Two regions measure \(1\,\text{unit} \times 6\,\text{units}\). The other two measure \(2\,\text{units} \times 3\,\text{units}\).
a) Are all four regions equal in area? Show how you know.
b) The two rectangle sizes have different perimeters. Does that change your answer to part a)? Explain.
Hints
- Find the area of each rectangle size from its side lengths.
- Compare the two area results before deciding whether the partition is equal in area.
- For part b), decide which measurement matters in the phrase “equal-area.”
Solution
1. Each \(1\,\text{unit} \times 6\,\text{units}\) region has area \(1 \times 6 = 6\,\text{square units}\).
2. Each \(2\,\text{units} \times 3\,\text{units}\) region has area \(2 \times 3 = 6\,\text{square units}\).
3. All four regions therefore have the same area.
4. Equal-area partitions depend on area, not perimeter, so the different perimeters do not change the conclusion.
Answer
a) Yes. Each region has area \(6\,\text{square units}\).
b) No. Different perimeters do not prevent the regions from having equal areas.