which statement best explains why the sum of the areas of the two white squares in figure 2 is the same as the area of the white square in figure1

Statement 1 best explains why the sum of the areas of the two white squares in fig 2 is the same as the area of the white square in fig 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

Statement 1:

In each figure the total area is equal and the area of 4 triangles is equal, so the remaining white area must also be equal.

Explanation:

Total area of each square = ab*ab

Fig 1 has 4 triangle each with area = ab/2

Total area of non-white part in fig 1 = 4 * (ab/2) = 2*ab

Fig 2 has 2 non-white rectangles each with area = a*b

Total area of non-white rectangles in fig 2 = 2*ab