NCERT Class 8 Mathematics Ganita Prakash Part-II: Chapter 7 — Area
This chapter, "Rectangle and Squares," from NCERT's Class 8 Mathematics Ganita Prakash Part-II, introduces the concept of area. It begins by posing a thought-provoking question about dividing a square into four equal areas, suggesting infinitely many ways. The chapter then transitions to a practical application by comparing the area of two rectangles to determine which requires more coloring powder. It explains that area is measured by the number of unit squares that can fit into a region. The fundamental formula for the area of a rectangle, length × width, is recalled and illustrated with examples, emphasizing units like sq. cm or cm². This foundational understanding of area is crucial for further mathematical concepts in Class 8 and CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Mathematics |
| Book | Ganita Prakash Part-II |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — Area |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 330 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of area and its measurement.
- Calculate the area of a rectangle using the formula length × width.
- Compare the areas of different rectangles.
- Appreciate creative ways to divide shapes into equal areas.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Area | The measure of the extent of a two-dimensional surface. |
| Rectangle | A quadrilateral with four right angles. |
| Square | A quadrilateral with four equal sides and four right angles. |
| Unit squares | Squares with a side length of 1 unit, used to measure area. |
| Rangoli | A traditional Indian art form using patterns made from colored powder. |
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Practice questions
- What is the formula for the area of a rectangle? Answer: Area of a rectangle = length × width.
- If a rectangle has a length of 10 cm and a width of 5 cm, what is its area? Answer: Area = 10 cm × 5 cm = 50 sq. cm.
- Which requires more coloring powder: a rectangle of 5 cm × 6 cm or a rectangle of 7 cm × 4 cm? Answer: The rectangle of 5 cm × 6 cm has an area of 30 sq. cm, while the rectangle of 7 cm × 4 cm has an area of 28 sq. cm. Therefore, the 5 cm × 6 cm rectangle requires more powder.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main concept discussed in NCERT Class 8 Mathematics Chapter 7?
Chapter 7, "Rectangle and Squares," primarily focuses on the concept of area and how to calculate it for rectangles.
How is the area of a rectangle measured?
The area of a rectangle is measured by finding the number of unit squares that can fit into it, calculated by the formula: length × width.
What does 'sq. cm' or 'cm²' represent?
'sq. cm' or 'cm²' are units used to express the area of a region, representing square centimeters.
Can a square be divided into equal areas in multiple ways?
Yes, the chapter suggests that a square can be divided into 4 parts of equal area in infinitely many ways.
What is the practical application of understanding area mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter uses the example of coloring rangoli art to illustrate how comparing areas helps determine which region needs more coloring material.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Mathematics — Ganita Prakash Part-II — Chapter 7 — Area. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.