Since $AB \parallel DE,$ we know that $\angle A = \angle E$ and $\angle B = \angle D.$ That works out nicely, since that means $\triangle ABC \sim EDC.$ If $BD = 4BC,$ that means $CD = BD - BC = 3BC.$ Therefore, the ratio of sides in $ABC$ to $EDC$ is $1:3,$ meaning the ratio of their areas is $1:9.$

Since the area of $\triangle ABC$ is $6\text{ cm}^2,$ that means the area of $\triangle CDE$ is $\boxed{54}\text{ cm}^2.$
Question:
The area of $\triangle ABC$ is 6 square centimeters. $\overline{AB}\|\overline{DE}$. $BD=4BC$. What is the number of square centimeters in the area of $\triangle CDE$? [asy]
draw((-.3,-3)--(.1,1)--(-1,0)--(3,0)--cycle);
label("$A$",(.1,1),N);
label("$B$",(-1,0),W);
label("$C$",(0,0),NE);
label("$D$",(3,0),E);
label("$E$",(-.3,-3),S);
[/asy]
Answer:
Let's think step by step.

user
54
The area of $\triangle ABC$ is 6 square centimeters. $\overline{AB}\|\overline{DE}$. $BD=4BC$. What is the number of square centimeters in the area of $\triangle CDE$? [asy]
draw((-.3,-3)--(.1,1)--(-1,0)--(3,0)--cycle);
label("$A$",(.1,1),N);
label("$B$",(-1,0),W);
label("$C$",(0,0),NE);
label("$D$",(3,0),E);
label("$E$",(-.3,-3),S);
[/asy]
test