How is the area of a square determined?

To find the area of a square, the formula used is side × side, meaning you multiply the length of one side by itself. This is because a square has all four sides of equal length, and the area represents the amount of space contained within those four sides.

For example, if one side of the square measures 5 units, then the area would be calculated as 5 × 5, resulting in 25 square units. This formula effectively captures the two-dimensional nature of the space enclosed by the square.

The other options do not yield the correct formula for area. Doubling the side length, adding the side lengths, or multiplying by four relates to perimeter or other calculations, but not the area of a square specifically. The clear and straightforward multiplication of the side by itself directly relates to finding the total surface space of the square.