To calculate the area of this shape, we can break it down into two rectangles:

1. Rectangle A (larger section):

   • Width = 4 cm
   • Height = 7 cm
   • Area of Rectangle A = $4 \, \text{cm} \times 7 \, \text{cm} = 28 \, \text{cm}^2$

2. Rectangle B (smaller section on the right):

   • Width = 2 cm
   • Height = 6 cm
   • Area of Rectangle B = $2 \, \text{cm} \times 6 \, \text{cm} = 12 \, \text{cm}^2$

Total Area of the Shape:
Now, add the areas of the two rectangles: $28 \, \text{cm}^2 + 12 \, \text{cm}^2 = 40 \, \text{cm}^2$

Therefore, the area of the shape is 40 cm².

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions you might find helpful:

1. How do you calculate the perimeter of a composite shape like this?
2. How would the area change if one of the dimensions increased by 50%?
3. Can you solve for the area of other shapes by dividing them into rectangles?
4. What if this shape was three-dimensional? How would you calculate the volume?
5. What techniques can be used to find areas of irregular shapes?

Tip: Breaking complex shapes into simpler parts like rectangles or triangles is often the easiest way to calculate their area accurately.