Find the total area, then find the unshaded portion (1 minus the shaded fraction).

• Total area = 8 × \( 5\frac{1}{2} = 8 \times 5.5 = 44 \) cm²
• Fraction unshaded = \( 1 - \frac{3}{8} = \frac{5}{8} \)
• Unshaded area = \( \frac{5}{8} \times 44 = 27.5 \) cm²

Express to 2 decimal places: 27.50 cm².

Check: Shaded = \( \frac{3}{8} \times 44 = 16.5 \). Unshaded + shaded = 27.5 + 16.5 = 44. ✓

Final Answer: 27.50 cm²