1. **State the problem:** Find the area of the compound L-shaped figure composed of two rectangles joined together. 2. **Identify individual shapes:** The figure consists of: - Top rectangle: width = 3 cm, height = 4 cm - Bottom rectangle: width = 7 cm, height = 5 cm 3. **Calculate the area of the top rectangle:** $$\text{Area}_{top} = 3 \times 4 = 12 \text{ cm}^2$$ 4. **Calculate the area of the bottom rectangle:** $$\text{Area}_{bottom} = 7 \times 5 = 35 \text{ cm}^2$$ 5. **Calculate total area:** Since the two rectangles form the compound shape without overlapping, $$\text{Total Area} = \text{Area}_{top} + \text{Area}_{bottom} = 12 + 35 = 47 \text{ cm}^2$$ 6. **Answer:** The area of the compound L-shaped figure is **47 cm²**.