Question

Can you make the area of your shape go up but the perimeter go down?

Answer 1

If you use a triangle as your shape it will make the perimeter smaller then your area but if you use a circle your perimeter will be more smaller then your area.

Answer 2

Yes,you can. 

-- If it's a rectangle, make it more square ... make the length and width
more nearly equal.

-- No matter what shape it is, make it more like a circle.  The circle
has the most possible area inside the smallest possible perimeter.