First, find the area of each figure. Then subtract the smaller area from the larger area. Your work should look something like this:
A = l * w
A = 9 * 9
A = 81
This is the area of the smaller square. Now find the area of the larger square.
A = l * w
A = 15 * 15
A = 225
Now subtract the two areas to find the area of the shape that is left when the smaller square is cut out.
225 - 81 = 144
Your final answer should be:
144 in^2
