The perimeter of a shape is the measure of the length of a shape around its outermost extremities. The area of a shape is the amount of two-dimensional space that it covers. The ratio of the perimeter to the area of a shape is simply the perimeter divided by the area. This is easily calculated.
Circle
Find the radius of your circle. This is the distance from the center to the outer edge.
Calculate the perimeter or circumference of the circle. This can be done using the equation
where r is the radius.
Calculate the area of the circle. This can be done using the equation
where r is the radius of the circle.
Divide the perimeter by the area to obtain the ration of perimeter to area.
Rectangle
There are an infinite variety of shapes. If you don't know the formulas for a shape, get creative and try breaking it down into smaller rectangles.
Find the length and width of the rectangle. This will be the measurement of one of the long sides and one of the short sides.
Calculate the perimeter using the formula
where b is the base and w is the width.
Calculate the area using the formula
where b is the base and w is the width.
Divide the perimeter by the area to obtain the ration of the perimeter to the area.
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About the Author
Josh Infiesto has been writing since 2008. He currently writes technical documentation while also doing Web development, design and occasionally technical support. Previously, he was a freelance Web designer and spent most of his time designing websites or writing ad copy for clients. He is finishing a piano performance degree from Southern Utah University and is a Microsoft Certified Professional.