Introduction
Calculating the area of a square is a fundamental skill in geometry and is used in various real-world scenarios. When you know the length of one side \( a \), finding the area of the square becomes a straightforward process. In this guide, we'll explore the formula to calculate the area of a square and provide step-by-step instructions to help you solve for the area.
Understanding the Square
A square is a four-sided polygon with all sides of equal length and all angles measuring 90 degrees.
The Formula for the Area of a Square
The area \( A \) of a square can be found using the formula:
\[ A = a^2 \]
Where:
- \( a \) is the length of one side of the square.
Explaining the Formula
The area formula for a square involves squaring the length of one side. This is because all four sides of a square are equal in length, so the area is simply the side length multiplied by itself.
Step-by-Step Calculation
Let's work through an example to illustrate the process.
Example:
Suppose we have a square with a side length \( a = 5 \) units. We want to find the area of the square.
Step 1: Identify the Given Value
Given:
- Side length \( a = 5 \) units
Step 2: Use the Formula to Find the Area
Using the formula \( A = a^2 \), substitute the given value:
\[ A = 5^2 \]
Step 3: Perform the Calculation
Now, calculate the area:
\[ A = 25 \]
Final Value
For a square with a side length \( a = 5 \) units, the area is \( 25 \) square units.
