The figure shows a rectangle. Which set of smaller shapes could be put together to make this rectangle?
- Two circles side by side
- Two squares side by side (correct answer)
- One triangle and one circle
- One circle and one square
Explanation: When you see a question about building shapes from smaller shapes, picture the big shape in your mind and think about what pieces would fit together perfectly with no gaps and no overlaps. A rectangle has four straight sides and four square corners, so any pieces you use to build it must also have straight sides that match up. If you take two squares and place them side by side, their straight edges line up perfectly. Together they form a longer shape with four straight sides and four square corners — that's a rectangle! This is why B is correct. Think of two square crackers pushed together on a plate: they make a rectangle shape. Now look at why the other choices don't work. A is wrong because circles are round with no straight sides or corners — two circles side by side would leave curved gaps and couldn't form straight edges. C is wrong for the same reason: a circle is round, so even though a triangle has straight sides, the circle part would ruin the rectangle shape. D fails too because the circle is round and cannot line up with the square's straight edges to make a smooth rectangle. A helpful tip: when building bigger shapes from smaller ones, always check that the edges match. Straight shapes (squares, rectangles, triangles) can fit against other straight shapes, but round shapes (circles) can't make flat sides. Rectangles and squares are "friends" because their straight edges love to line up!