1. **State the problem:** Find the area of the composite figure described with dimensions: bottom side 8 cm, left vertical rise 5 cm with a 1 cm step at the top, right vertical side 5 cm with a 2 cm step at the top, and a slanted top edge connecting the top of the left rise to the start of the right step. 2. **Understand the shape:** The figure can be divided into simpler shapes: a rectangle and a right triangle formed by the slanted top edge. 3. **Calculate the rectangle area:** The rectangle has a base of 8 cm and height of 5 cm. $$\text{Area}_{rectangle} = 8 \times 5 = 40$$ 4. **Calculate the triangle area:** The triangle is formed by the top left step (1 cm) and the top right step (2 cm), with a vertical height of 5 cm. The base of the triangle is the difference between the bottom side and the sum of the steps: $$8 - (1 + 2) = 5$$ cm. The height of the triangle is the vertical rise of 5 cm. $$\text{Area}_{triangle} = \frac{1}{2} \times 5 \times 5 = \frac{25}{2} = 12.5$$ 5. **Sum the areas:** $$\text{Total area} = 40 + 12.5 = 52.5$$ 6. **Final answer:** The area of the composite figure is **52.5 sq cm**.