The figure in the image is an L-shaped polygon, and we can find the area by breaking it into two rectangles. Here's how we can do it:

Step 1: Divide the figure into two rectangles.

• Rectangle 1: The top horizontal part of the L-shape.

  • Width: $8 \, \text{cm}$
  • Height: $2 \, \text{cm}$
  • Area of Rectangle 1: $8 \times 2 = 16 \, \text{cm}^2$

• Rectangle 2: The vertical part of the L-shape.

  • Width: $2 \, \text{cm}$ (same as the width of the lower vertical strip)
  • Height: $8 \, \text{cm}$ (but part of it is cut out by Rectangle 1)
  • Height to consider: $8 \, \text{cm} - 2 \, \text{cm} = 6 \, \text{cm}$
  • Area of Rectangle 2: $6 \times 6 = 36 \, \text{cm}^2$

Step 2: Add the areas of both rectangles.

• Total area = $16 + 36 = 52 \, \text{cm}^2$

Thus, the area of the figure is 52 square centimeters.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:

1. How would the area change if the height of the vertical section was increased by 2 cm?
2. Can you calculate the perimeter of this L-shaped figure?
3. How can the area be calculated if the L-shape was rotated by 90 degrees?
4. What is the formula for the area of a composite shape like this?
5. How would you calculate the area if the shape were not rectangular but had slanted sides?

Tip: When dealing with composite shapes, breaking them into smaller rectangles or known shapes makes calculating areas much simpler.