IGCSE Areas and Perimeters: Complete Guide for Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics

IGCSE areas and perimeters are fundamental geometry topics in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics that appear in both Paper 2 and Paper 4. Mastering area formulas, perimeter formulas, and composite shapes is essential for solving geometry problems.

This comprehensive IGCSE areas and perimeters guide covers everything you need to know, including formulas for all common shapes, finding areas and perimeters of composite shapes, worked examples, common exam questions, and expert tips from Tutopiya’s IGCSE maths tutors. We’ll also show you how to avoid the most common mistakes that cost students valuable marks.

🎯 What you’ll learn: By the end of this guide, you’ll know all area and perimeter formulas, how to find areas and perimeters of composite shapes, and apply these skills to solve problems in IGCSE exams.

Already studying with Tutopiya? Practice these skills with our dedicated IGCSE Geometry practice deck featuring exam-style questions and instant feedback.

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Why IGCSE Areas and Perimeters Matter

IGCSE areas and perimeters are essential geometry topics. Here’s why they’re so important:

• High frequency topic: Area and perimeter questions appear regularly in IGCSE maths papers
• Foundation skill: Essential for all geometry problems
• Exam weight: Typically worth 5-8 marks per paper
• Real-world applications: Used in construction, design, and measurement
• Problem-solving skills: Develops geometric calculation and formula application abilities

Key insight from examiners: Students often confuse area and perimeter or forget formulas. This guide will help you master all formulas systematically.

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Understanding Areas and Perimeters

Area = space inside a shape (measured in square units) Perimeter = distance around a shape (measured in linear units)

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Rectangle

Area = length × width Perimeter = 2(length + width)

Example 1: Rectangle: length 8 cm, width 5 cm. Find area and perimeter.

Solution: Area = 8 × 5 = 40 cm² Perimeter = 2(8 + 5) = 26 cm

Answer: Area = 40 cm², Perimeter = 26 cm

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Triangle

Area = 1/2 × base × height Perimeter = sum of all three sides

Example 2: Triangle: base 10 cm, height 6 cm. Find area.

Solution: Area = 1/2 × 10 × 6 = 30 cm²

Answer: 30 cm²

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Circle

Area = πr² Circumference (perimeter) = 2πr

Example 3: Circle: radius 7 cm. Find area and circumference.

Solution: Area = π × 7² = 49π cm² ≈ 153.94 cm² Circumference = 2π × 7 = 14π cm ≈ 43.98 cm

Answer: Area = 49π cm², Circumference = 14π cm

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Parallelogram

Area = base × height Perimeter = 2(base + side)

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Trapezium

Area = 1/2 × (sum of parallel sides) × height

Example 4: Trapezium: parallel sides 8 cm and 12 cm, height 5 cm. Find area.

Solution: Area = 1/2 × (8 + 12) × 5 = 1/2 × 20 × 5 = 50 cm²

Answer: 50 cm²

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Composite Shapes

Break into simple shapes, find each area, then add or subtract.

Example 5: Shape consists of rectangle (6×4) with semicircle (radius 2) removed. Find area.

Solution: Rectangle area = 6 × 4 = 24 cm² Semicircle area = 1/2 × π × 2² = 2π cm² Total area = 24 - 2π cm²

Answer: 24 - 2π cm²

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Common Examiner Traps

• Formula confusion - Learn all formulas clearly
• Units errors - Area in square units, perimeter in linear units
• Composite shape errors - Break into simple shapes correctly

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Practice Questions

Question 1

Rectangle: length 12 cm, width 8 cm. Find area and perimeter.

Solution: Area = 12 × 8 = 96 cm² Perimeter = 2(12 + 8) = 40 cm

Answer: Area = 96 cm², Perimeter = 40 cm

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Tutopiya Advantage: Personalised IGCSE Areas and Perimeters Coaching

• Live whiteboard walkthroughs of area and perimeter problems
• Exam-docket homework packs mirroring CAIE specimen papers
• Analytics dashboard so parents see accuracy by topic
• Flexible slots with ex-Cambridge markers for last-mile polishing

📞 Ready to turn shaky area and perimeter skills into exam-ready confidence? Book a free IGCSE maths trial and accelerate your revision plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions About IGCSE Areas and Perimeters

What is the difference between area and perimeter?

Area is the space inside a shape (square units). Perimeter is the distance around a shape (linear units).

What is the area of a rectangle?

Area = length × width

What is the area of a triangle?

Area = 1/2 × base × height

What is the area of a circle?

Area = πr² where r is the radius.

How do I find the area of a composite shape?

Break it into simple shapes, find each area, then add or subtract as appropriate.

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Related IGCSE Maths Resources

Strengthen your IGCSE Mathematics preparation with these comprehensive guides:

• IGCSE Circles: Complete Guide - Master circle properties
• IGCSE Solid Geometry: Complete Guide - Master 3D shapes
• IGCSE Maths Revision Notes, Syllabus and Preparation Tips - Complete syllabus overview, topic breakdown, and revision strategies
• IGCSE Past Papers Guide - Access free IGCSE past papers and exam resources

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Next Steps: Master IGCSE Areas and Perimeters with Tutopiya

Ready to excel in IGCSE areas and perimeters? Our expert IGCSE maths tutors provide:

• Personalized 1-on-1 tutoring tailored to your learning pace
• Exam-focused practice with real Cambridge IGCSE past papers
• Interactive whiteboard sessions for visual learning
• Progress tracking to identify and strengthen weak areas
• Flexible scheduling to fit your revision timetable

Book a free IGCSE maths trial lesson and get personalized support to master areas and perimeters and achieve your target grade.

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