Let's solve this problem by determining the perimeter of the given composite shape. The perimeter is the sum of all the outer sides of the shape.

Dimensions from the image:

1. The vertical side on the left: $8 \, \text{cm}$
2. The top horizontal side: $4 \, \text{cm}$
3. The vertical side at the top-right: $2 \, \text{cm}$
4. The middle horizontal side: $6 \, \text{cm}$
5. The small vertical side at the bottom-right: $3 \, \text{cm}$
6. The bottom horizontal side: $4 \, \text{cm}$

Step-by-step calculation:

• Add the vertical sides: $8 \, \text{cm} + 2 \, \text{cm} + 3 \, \text{cm} = 13 \, \text{cm}.$

• Add the horizontal sides: $4 \, \text{cm} + 6 \, \text{cm} + 4 \, \text{cm} = 14 \, \text{cm}.$

• Total perimeter: $13 \, \text{cm} + 14 \, \text{cm} = 27 \, \text{cm}.$

Final Answer:

The perimeter of the shape is 27 cm.

Would you like further clarification or help with another part of the problem?

Here are five related questions for practice:

1. How do you find the perimeter of a rectangle with given length and width?
2. What is the difference between area and perimeter of a shape?
3. How can you determine missing side lengths of composite shapes?
4. Can the perimeter of a shape ever be less than its largest side? Why or why not?
5. How would you calculate the perimeter of a circle?

Tip: Always double-check that you include all sides when calculating the perimeter of composite shapes!