To find the total area of the shape, you simply add the areas of all the rectangles together.
Given:
- Rectangle 1: 40 cm²
- Rectangle 2: 16 cm²
- Rectangle 3: 16 cm²
Total Area = Area of Rectangle 1 + Area of Rectangle 2 + Area of Rectangle 3
Total Area = 40 cm² + 16 cm² + 16 cm²
Total Area = 72 cm²
Thus, the total area of the shape is 72 cm².