To find the area of the complex shape, we must split it into smaller shapes that are easier to calculate.
In this case, we can cut it into two rectangles as shown in the diagram I attached.
The vertical rectangle has a length of '5 cm = 1cm + 4cm' and a width of 2 cm. Thus the area is:
Area-vertical rectangle = length * width = 5cm * 2cm = 10 square cm.
The horizontal rectangle has a length of 5cm and a width of 1cm. Thus the area is:
Area-horizontal rectangle = length * width = 5cm * 1cm = 5 square cm.
Thus the total area is:
Total area = 10 + 5 = 15 square cm
Hope that helps!
