Calculate the area of the composite figure.
9 in
5 in
18 in
5 in
17 in

Let's split the figure first:

9 x 5 = 45(area of small rectangle on top)

18 - 5 = 14(height)

17 - 9 = 8(width)

14 x 8 = 112(area of rectangle in the middle nearly)

18 - 5 = 14(base)

5(base 1) + 14(base 2) = 19

17 - 9 = 8(height)

19 x 8 = 152

152 divided by 2( x 1/2) = 76(area of a trapezoid on the side)

Now let's add all the given areas:

45 + 112 + 76 = 233 in^2 is your answer.

i use my brain for prombles like this maybe you could try it

step-by-step explanation:

if you was gonna solve for a, a is a   < -12