Calculate the area of the shape.

To calculate the area of the given shape, we need to determine the type of shape it is and then apply the appropriate formula. From the image, we can see that the shape is a trapezoid.

The formula for the area of a trapezoid is:

$$A = \frac{1}{2} (a + b) h$$

Where:

• ( a ) and ( b ) are the lengths of the parallel sides (bases).
• ( h ) is the height (the perpendicular distance between the bases).

From the image, we can determine the lengths of the bases and the height in terms of the grid units. Each grid unit is 1 cm.

• Length of base ( a ) (the top side) = 3 cm (3 units)
• Length of base ( b ) (the bottom side) = 5 cm (5 units)
• Height ( h ) = 3 cm (3 units)

Now, we can plug these values into the formula:

$$A = \frac{1}{2} (3 + 5) \times 3$$ $$A = \frac{1}{2} (8) \times 3$$ $$A = 4 \times 3$$ $$A = 12$$

So, the area of the trapezoid is 12 square centimeters.

Answer: 12 cm²