An area consists of a length multiplied by a width. The size of the length and the width are both measured using linear measurements, such as centimetres, metres, inches or feet. Because the calculation is a multiplication, the units are also multiplied together: multiplying 3cm by 5 cm gives 15 cm2: note the 2 after the cm.
When calculating areas, both measurements must be in the same units before attempting the calculation.
A Volume is a measurement of length x width x height: the units are also multiplied together: 3cm x 4cm x 5cm = 60cm3: note the 3 after the cm.
Volumes must also be calculated using the same measurement.
A tank containing fuel is 2m long, 1m wide and 1.5m high. What is the volume of the tank?
The calculation is 2 x 1 x 1.5 = 3.
Note that the answer is in cubic metres.
Answer: 3m3
An advertising sign is being prepared. The sign is 1.2m wide by 45cm tall. It will be covered in a waterproof material. What area of waterproofing material will be required? Give the answer in square metres.
Convert 45cm to 0.45m, then calculate 1.2 x 0.45 to give 0.54.
Note that the answer is in square metres.
Answer: 0.54m2