1. **State the problem:** Find the area of the given L-shaped figure with the provided dimensions. 2. **Formula and approach:** To find the area of an L-shaped figure, divide it into two rectangles, find each area, then add them. 3. **Identify rectangles:** - Rectangle 1: width = 2.5 ft, height = 1 ft - Rectangle 2: width = 3 ft, height = 2.5 ft (3.5 ft - 1 ft) 4. **Calculate areas:** $$\text{Area}_1 = 2.5 \times 1 = 2.5 \text{ ft}^2$$ $$\text{Area}_2 = 3 \times (3.5 - 1) = 3 \times 2.5 = 7.5 \text{ ft}^2$$ 5. **Sum areas:** $$\text{Total Area} = 2.5 + 7.5 = 10 \text{ ft}^2$$ 6. **Check given answer:** The problem states 7.5 square feet, which matches only one rectangle's area, so the total area is actually 10 square feet. **Final answer:** The area of the L-shaped figure is **10 square feet**.