1. **State the problem:** Find the area of the composite polygon with given side lengths. 2. **Analyze the figure:** The shape consists of a stepped left side with vertical segments 10 ft, 9 ft, 6 ft, 4 ft, and 8 ft, and horizontal segments 13 ft at the bottom, and 9 ft and 4 ft on the right side, including a right triangle slanting inward on the right. 3. **Break the figure into simpler shapes:** - Rectangle at the bottom: width 13 ft, height 4 ft. - Rectangle above it: width 9 ft, height 6 ft. - Rectangle above that: width 4 ft, height 9 ft. - Right triangle on the right side with base 4 ft and height 8 ft. 4. **Calculate areas of each part:** - Bottom rectangle area: $$13 \times 4 = 52$$ - Middle rectangle area: $$9 \times 6 = 54$$ - Top rectangle area: $$4 \times 9 = 36$$ - Right triangle area: $$\frac{1}{2} \times 4 \times 8 = 16$$ 5. **Sum all areas:** $$52 + 54 + 36 + 16 = 158$$ 6. **Final answer:** The area of the figure is **158 square feet**.