What is the area of this \( \begin{array}{l}\text { pentagon? } \\ \text { Show your thinking }\end{array} \)

To find the area of a pentagon, one common method is to break it down into simpler shapes, such as triangles or rectangles. Calculate the area of each shape and then sum them up. For example, if you have the coordinates of the vertices of the pentagon, you can use the shoelace formula (or surveyor's formula), which states that if you list the coordinates sequentially, the area can be calculated with a neat formula that involves adding and subtracting products of these coordinates. For a real-world application, architects and engineers often utilize similar methods to determine the area of irregular plots of land. Understanding this calculation can help ensure that landscaping, building layouts, and zoning regulations are properly adhered to. It's all about maximizing space and making the most of your blueprints!