Calculate the area of the following shape. full answer/explanation

To find the area of this entire shape, we must divide it into two rectangles.

The first rectangle is on the bottom of the shape, with a length of 8 cm and a width of 3 cm.

The second rectangle is on the top of the shape. The length is (8-5) cm and the height is (7-3) cm.

To find the area of the total shape, we must add the areas of the two rectangles. To find the area of the rectangle, we use the formula, A = l * w.

8 * 3 = 24 cm^2
3 * 4 = 12 cm^2

24 sq cm + 12 sq cm = 36 square centimeters.

Therefore, the area is 36 square centimeters. Hope this helps! :)