Answer:
Statement 1 best explains why the sum of the areas of the two white squares in fig 2 is the same as the area of the white square in fig 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
Statement 1:
<em>In each figure the total area is equal and the area of 4 triangles is equal, so the remaining white area must also be equal.</em>
Explanation:
Total area of each square = ab*ab
Fig 1 has 4 triangle each with area = ab/2
Total area of non-white part in fig 1 = 4*(ab/2) = 2*ab
Fig 2 has 2 non-white rectangles each with area = a*b
Total area of non-white rectangles in fig 2 = 2*ab
As non-white area of fig 1 = non-white area of fig 2
The remaining white area must also be equal.