A 1 m wide path cuts across a rectangular field along its length and breadth, forming a path as shown. What is the area of the path? Answer : ___ $\text{m}^2$

1. Calculate the area of the horizontal path

Area of horizontal path $= 18 \times 1 = 18 \text{ m}^2$

2. Calculate the area of the vertical path

Area of vertical path $= 8 \times 1 = 8 \text{ m}^2$

3. Calculate the area of the overlapping square

Area of overlap $= 1 \times 1 = 1 \text{ m}^2$

4. Calculate the total area of the path

Total area $= 18 + 8 - 1 = 25 \text{ m}^2$