How is the area of a rectangle calculated?

The area of a rectangle is calculated by multiplying the length by the width. This is because the area represents the total number of square units that can fit within the boundaries of the rectangle. When you multiply the length (how long the rectangle is) by the width (how wide it is), you are effectively counting all the unit squares that can be placed within the rectangle's dimensions.

This method of calculating area is fundamental in both geometry and practical applications, such as determining the amount of material needed for flooring, painting, or any surface coverage. Each dimension contributes to the total space contained within the shape, allowing for a precise measurement of the area.