Grade 6 · Math · Lesson 24

Geometric Problem Solving

Geometric problem solving means picking the right tool for the job. Every shape question asks one of four things: how far around it (perimeter), how much it covers (area), how much wraps it (surface area), or how much fits inside (volume). The first step is never a calculation — it is reading the problem and asking which of those four you actually need. Once you know that, the rest is just careful arithmetic.

What this lesson teaches

1Choose the right strategy (perimeter, area, surface area, or volume) for a real-world problem
2Split composite (L-shaped or T-shaped) figures into rectangles and add their areas
3Subtract a removed region (such as a fountain or path) from a larger area to find the leftover
4Solve multi-step geometry word problems and check that the units (units, sq units, cubic units) make sense

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