1. **State the problem:** We need to find a way to divide the given figure, which consists of three adjacent rectangles, to calculate its total area. 2. **Identify the rectangles and their dimensions:** - Rectangle 1 (left): width = 4.6 m, height = 6.2 m, with a segment dividing the height into 3.6 m and the remaining part. - Rectangle 2 (middle): width = 8.8 m, height = 3.6 m. - Rectangle 3 (right): height = 18 m, width unknown. 3. **Divide the figure:** - The first rectangle can be split horizontally into two smaller rectangles using the 3.6 m segment: - Bottom part: width = 4.6 m, height = 3.6 m - Top part: width = 4.6 m, height = $6.2 - 3.6 = 2.6$ m - The second rectangle is already a single rectangle. - The third rectangle is separate. 4. **Calculate areas of each part:** - Bottom left rectangle area: $$4.6 \times 3.6$$ - Top left rectangle area: $$4.6 \times 2.6$$ - Middle rectangle area: $$8.8 \times 3.6$$ - Right rectangle area: $$\text{width} \times 18$$ (width needs to be known or given) 5. **Sum the areas:** Total area = bottom left + top left + middle + right rectangles. 6. **Summary:** To calculate the total area, divide the figure into four rectangles by splitting the first rectangle horizontally at 3.6 m height, then calculate each area separately and add them up. This method simplifies the complex figure into manageable parts for area calculation.