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Maths Adventures

Airport maths quest: perimeter

A story-led junior maths adventure using departures, luggage weights and route maps to measure fences, walls and safe zones around places.

Quick answer

Perimeter is the total distance around the edge of a shape. You can find it by adding up all the sides of a shape.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to measure and calculate the perimeter of different shapes using real-world examples from airports and travel. Success signs:
  • You can identify the perimeter of a shape by finding the total distance around it
  • You can add up all the sides of a shape to find the perimeter
  • You can solve problems involving perimeter using real-life examples
  • You can draw shapes and measure their sides to find the perimeter

Why this matters

Perimeter helps you understand how much space something takes up around the outside. At airports, perimeter is used to measure:
  • How much fencing is needed around a plane parking area
  • How far you need to walk around a terminal building
  • How much space is needed for safety zones around baggage carousels
  • How much material is needed for a border around a garden at a hotel
Understanding perimeter helps you solve problems in everyday life, like planning a garden, walking around a park, or measuring a room for new furniture.

How it works

Finding the perimeter of a shape means adding up all the sides. Here's how to do it step by step:
  1. Look at the shape and count how many sides it has
  2. Measure each side of the shape
  3. Add all the measurements together
  4. The total is the perimeter

Examples you can see

Let's look at some real examples from airports and travel: Example 1: Airport Terminal Building Imagine a rectangular terminal building with:
  • Length: 50 metres
  • Width: 30 metres
To find the perimeter:
  1. There are 4 sides: 2 lengths and 2 widths
  2. Perimeter = 50 + 30 + 50 + 30 = 160 metres
Example 2: Baggage Carousel Area A circular baggage carousel has a radius of 10 metres.
  • Perimeter (circumference) = 2 × π × radius
  • Perimeter = 2 × 3.14 × 10 = 62.8 metres
Example 3: Security Fence Around a Plane A rectangular plane parking space has:
  • Length: 40 metres
  • Width: 20 metres
To find the perimeter:
  1. Perimeter = 40 + 20 + 40 + 20 = 120 metres

Try it as a mini adventure

Airport Maths Quest: Perimeter Patrol You are an airport security guard helping to plan safety zones around the baggage area. Your mission is to measure the perimeter of different zones to make sure there's enough space for luggage handlers. Task 1: Terminal Gate Area The gate area is a rectangle measuring 25 metres long and 15 metres wide.
  • What is the perimeter of the gate area?
  • How many metres of safety tape do you need to mark the boundary?
Task 2: Baggage Handling Zone The baggage area is a square with each side measuring 18 metres.
  • What is the perimeter of the baggage area?
  • How many metres of fencing do you need to enclose it?
Task 3: Plane Parking Area The parking area is a rectangle with:
  • Length: 35 metres
  • Width: 25 metres
  • What is the perimeter of the parking area?
  • How many metres of rope do you need to mark the edge?

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Only adding two sides of a rectangle
    Why it happens: Confusing perimeter with area
    Fix: Remember to add all four sides of the shape
  • Mistake: Forgetting to include all sides when measuring
    Why it happens: Rushing through the problem
    Fix: Count each side carefully and write down measurements
  • Mistake: Adding measurements in the wrong order
    Why it happens: Not organizing the work clearly
    Fix: Write down all measurements and add them systematically
  • Mistake: Confusing perimeter with volume or area
    Why it happens: Not understanding what each measurement represents
    Fix: Remember: perimeter is around the edge, area is inside the shape

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child with perimeter measurement:
  • Start with simple shapes like rectangles and squares
  • Use everyday objects to practice: a book, a table, or a room
  • Encourage drawing shapes and labeling the sides
  • Ask questions like: "How far would you walk around this shape?"
  • Use real-world examples from your home or daily trips
  • Don't worry if they make mistakes - they're learning!
  • Make it fun with games and challenges
  • Focus on understanding rather than getting the right answer quickly
  • Notice when they use the word "perimeter" correctly
  • Ask them to explain their thinking to you

Practice questions

  1. What is the perimeter of a rectangle that is 10 metres long and 5 metres wide?
  2. A square garden has sides of 8 metres each. What is its perimeter?
  3. What is the perimeter of a triangle with sides of 6, 8, and 10 metres?
  4. A rectangular swimming pool is 20 metres long and 10 metres wide. What is its perimeter?
  5. What is the perimeter of a square with sides of 12 metres?
Answers:
  1. Perimeter = 10 + 5 + 10 + 5 = 30 metres
  2. Perimeter = 8 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 32 metres
  3. Perimeter = 6 + 8 + 10 = 24 metres
  4. Perimeter = 20 + 10 + 20 + 10 = 60 metres
  5. Perimeter = 12 + 12 + 12 + 12 = 48 metres

FAQ

What is perimeter in simple terms?

Perimeter is the total distance around the outside edge of a shape.

How do you find the perimeter of a rectangle?

Add up all four sides: length + width + length + width.

Can you find the perimeter of any shape?

Yes, as long as the shape has straight sides. You add up all the side lengths.

Why do we need to know perimeter?

Perimeter helps us plan things like fencing, safety zones, walking paths, and decorations.

What is the difference between perimeter and area?

Perimeter is the distance around the outside, while area is the space inside the shape.