Break up the figure into easier figures, a small square and a bigger square.
Small square- 3*2*1 = 6 cm
Large Square- 7*6*1 = 42 cm
42 + 6 = 48 cm. But wait! You have to take one more step, which is minus-ing 6 from 48. Why? Notice that there is a little area where a side of the small square meets the bigger square. That little area is worth 3 cm ( length is 3, height is 1 cm ) times 2 ( 3 cm is one side, another 3 cm is the other side from the other square ) = 6 cm.
Your total answer should be 42. ( or 48, if your teacher doesn't count the area where the squares meet/join together ).
