To find the area of the rectangle within the composite shape, we can use the information provided:
- The total area of the composite shape is 40 square inches.
- The height of the shape is 4 inches.
- The top and bottom parts of the composite shape are both 3 inches, which could imply they are widths (though exact details about the shape are not provided).
However, we need to clarify what the "rectangle within the composite shape" refers to. If we assume the top part and bottom part are hills above and below the rectangle (as in some composite shapes), and their individual widths imply they contribute to the shape.
If we assume the heights of these sections are not overlapping with the bottom area rectangle, you might have:
- The heights of the rectangle would be 4 inches, and if it has substantial width to it or if there are parts of the shape that overlap with the rectangle, adjustments need to be made.
Without full details on how these dimensions apply, the area of the rectangle could potentially mean finding the remaining area after subtracting the area of the top and bottom parts from the total area.
Let's say:
- Area of composite shape = 40 sq in.
- Area of the top part = 3 in. * 4 in. = 12 sq in. (if that's the interpretation)
- Area of the bottom part = 3 in. * 4 in. = 12 sq in.
If that were the case, the area of the rectangle would be: \[ \text{Area of rectangle} = \text{Total area} - (\text{Area of top part} + \text{Area of bottom part}) \] \[ \text{Area of rectangle} = 40 - (12 + 12) = 40 - 24 = 16 \text{ square inches} \]
Thus, the answer would be 16 square inches. This conclusion assumes a certain arrangement of the rectangle, which could vary based on the exact configuration of the composite shape.