1. **Stating the problem:** Mia, David, and Carla combined their free rectangles to form a new shape with sides measuring 8 inches, 2 inches, 5 inches, 3 inches, another 5 inches, and another 2 inches. Mia wants to find the total area by adding the areas of the three rectangles. 2. **Understanding the shape:** The new shape is composed of three rectangles. We need to identify the dimensions of each rectangle from the given side lengths. 3. **Assigning dimensions:** Let's assume the three rectangles have dimensions: - Rectangle 1: 8 inches by 2 inches - Rectangle 2: 5 inches by 3 inches - Rectangle 3: 5 inches by 2 inches 4. **Formula for area of a rectangle:** $$\text{Area} = \text{length} \times \text{width}$$ 5. **Calculate each area:** - Area 1: $$8 \times 2 = 16$$ - Area 2: $$5 \times 3 = 15$$ - Area 3: $$5 \times 2 = 10$$ 6. **Add the areas to find total area:** $$16 + 15 + 10 = 41$$ 7. **Final answer:** The total area of the new shape is $$41$$ square inches.