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Estimating Area Under a Graph

Straight lines only - exact calculation

Straight lines only - exact calculation

  • To calculate the area under a graph, split the area into trapeziums and rectangles and work out the area of each section.
  • Use the formula:
    • Area (Trapezium) = 12 × base × (a + b)
    • Where a and b are the sides of the trapezium.
Curved line - estimate

Curved line - estimate

  • If the graph is not made up of straight lines you can estimate the area by splitting the graph approximately into trapeziums and doing the same calculation.
Overestimate or underestimate

Overestimate or underestimate

  • An area estimate is an overestimate when the trapeziums are above the curve and an underestimate when the trapeziums are below the curve.
  • In the example the first and second sections are underestimates and the third is an overestimate.
Jump to other topics
1

Number

1.1

Using Numbers

1.2

Fractions, Decimals & Percentages

1.3

Powers & Roots

1.4

Accuracy

2

Algebra

2.1

Introduction to Algebra

2.2

Manipulating Algebra

2.3

Proofs & Functions

2.4

Straight Line Graphs

2.5

Common Graphs

2.6

Transformations & Tangents

2.7

Properties of Graphs

2.8

Solving Equations

2.9

Inequalities

2.10

Sequences

3

Ratio

4

Geometry

4.1

Introduction to Geometry

4.2

Triangles & Quadrilaterals

4.3

Transformations

4.4

Circle Basics

4.5

Circle Theorems

4.6

Measurements & Units

4.7

Calculating Area

4.8

Triangle Formulae

4.9

3D Shapes

4.10

Vectors

5

Probability

6

Statistics

Practice questions on Estimate Area

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