<p>Hey, can someone please answer this question from the Pre-SAT of Saturday, January 2006?</p>
<p><a href="http://i43.tinypic.com/1416sz7.png%5B/url%5D">http://i43.tinypic.com/1416sz7.png</a></p>
<p>I think the answer is 3.5. To solve it I found the area of the large rectangle surrounding it as 8 and then I subtracted the areas of 3 triangles.(2,2,.5)</p>
<p>When you look at the rather complicated drawing, think how much the test makers love simple triangles. In general, you’d have the option to divide the strange figure into easier triangles. However, in this case, you might look at completing the drawing to yield an easy rectangle and three easy triangles. </p>
<p>Here’s a hint. Complete the figure to show a rectangle that goes from -1 to 3 on the base with a height of 2. This rectangle should have an area of 4 x 2 or 8 units. Do not worry about putting new labels. </p>
<p>Now can you measure the 3 new triangles you just created? The one on top should have a length of 4 and a height of 1. Easy area to compute as (4 x 1)/2. The one of the right side has a B of 2 and a H of 2. Easy again. The remaining small one at the left has a B of 1 and a H of 1. </p>
<p>Now simply deduct the area of the small three triangles from the area of the rectangle. That is 8 minus (2 + 2 + 1/2)</p>
<p>If you can see the construction, this is basic geometry using the area of a rectangle and the area of a triangle.</p>
<p>Thanks guys, I tried making the rectangle figure and got 3.5 like you both said!</p>