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Shoelace Theorem

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The Shoelace Theorem is a nifty formula for finding the area of a polygon given the coordinates of its vertices.

Theorem

Suppose the polygon has vertices , , ... , , listed in clockwise order. Then area of is

\dfrac{1}{2} |a_1b_2+a_2b_3+\cdots +a_nb_1-b_1a_2-b_2a_3-\cdots -b_na_1|.

The Shoelace Theorem gets its name because if one lists the the coordinates in a column, \begin{align*}(a_1 &, b_1) \\(a_2 &, b_2) \\& \vdots \\(a_n &, b_n) \\(a_1 &, b_1)\end{align*}, and marks the pairs of coordinates to be multiplied, the resulting image looks like laced-up shoes.

Proof

This proof is incomplete. You can help us out by completing it.


This article is a stub. Help us out by expanding it.

Looking for a challenging algebra text? Preparing for MATHCOUNTS or the AMC exams?
Check out Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Algebra by Richard Rusczyk.
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