What is the formula for calculating the area of a rectangle?

The formula for calculating the area of a rectangle is given by multiplying the length by the width. This relationship arises because the area represents the total number of square units that can fit within the rectangle. When you multiply the two dimensions, length and width, you are essentially counting all the individual square units that fill the space of the rectangle.

For example, if a rectangle has a length of 5 units and a width of 3 units, the area would be calculated as 5 × 3, resulting in 15 square units. This provides a clear and straightforward way to quantify the space inside the rectangle, which is why this formula is fundamental in geometry and applicable in various real-world scenarios, such as calculating the amount of tile needed to cover a floor or the amount of paint required for a wall.

The other options presented do not accurately represent how to determine the area of a rectangle. The incorrect formulas either suggest summation, involve perimeter calculation, or subtraction, all of which do not reflect how area is derived in this specific shape.