<u>To solve such a complex shape, its best we split it into simpler shapes:</u>
⇒ let's cut along the dashed line to form
⇒ a square and a triangle
<u>Area of the triangle</u>
⇒ 
⇒ however we don't know the base (dashed line)
(using Pythagorean theorem) ⇒ 
⇒ now that we know the height, let's solve
<-- area of triangle
<u>Area of the rectangle</u>
⇒ 
- length (longer side of rectangle) --> 9ft
- width (shorter side of rectange) --> dashed line --> 4ft
⇒ so:
<-- area of rectangle)
<u>Combined Area =</u> Area of triangle + Area of rectangle = 6 + 36 = <u>42ft^2</u>
<u>Answer: 42</u>
Hope that helps!