Why do this problem?

This problem will challenge children to find areas of triangles on a square grid.  They do not need to know a 'formula' as they could use the area of surrounding rectangles to help.

Key questions

What is the area of the tent?
How could you find the area of this triangle?
How could you draw a rectangle around the triangle to help?

Possible extension

Some children might like to draw their own island on squared paper and 'pitch' their own tents.