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What is Area?

Length: 10 units
Width: 6 units
Visual representation of area as the space inside a rectangle

Area is the amount of space inside a shape. For rectangles, it's the total surface covered by the shape.

Imagine coloring the inside of a rectangle - the area is how much paint you would need to cover it completely. We measure area in square units like square centimeters (cm²) or square meters (m²).

Why do we need to know about area? Area helps us understand how much space objects take up. We use area measurements when laying carpet, painting walls, planting gardens, and many other everyday activities!

Rectangle Area Formula

Rectangle diagram showing length and width with area formula
Visual representation of the area formula: Area = Length × Width

To find the area of any rectangle, we use a simple formula:

Area Formula

Area = Length × Width

This means you multiply the length measurement by the width measurement to get the area.

We often write this formula as:
A = l × w
Where:
  • A = Area
  • l = Length of the rectangle
  • w = Width of the rectangle
Remember: Both length and width must be measured in the same units (like centimeters or meters).

How to Calculate Area

Step-by-step area calculation process

Follow these simple steps to calculate the area of any rectangle:

Step 1: Measure the length of the rectangle (the longer side, but it doesn't have to be)
Step 2: Measure the width of the rectangle (the shorter side, but it doesn't have to be)
Step 3: Multiply the length by the width
Step 4: Write your answer in square units (cm², m², etc.)

Let's practice with an example:

Example: A rectangle has a length of 8 cm and a width of 5 cm. What is its area?
Solution: Area = Length × Width = 8 cm × 5 cm = 40 cm²

Solved Examples

Example 1: Notebook

A notebook measures 20 cm long and 15 cm wide. What is the area of its cover?

Length
20 cm
Width
15 cm

Solution: Area = 20 cm × 15 cm = 300 cm²

Example 2: Classroom

A classroom is 10 meters long and 8 meters wide. What is its floor area?

Length
10 m
Width
8 m

Solution: Area = 10 m × 8 m = 80 m²

Example 3: Phone Screen

A phone screen is 14 cm long and 7 cm wide. What is its area?

Length
14 cm
Width
7 cm

Solution: Area = 14 cm × 7 cm = 98 cm²

Example 4: Basketball Court

A basketball court is 28 meters long and 15 meters wide. What is its area?

Length
28 m
Width
15 m

Solution: Area = 28 m × 15 m = 420 m²

Area Calculation Quiz

Test your understanding with this 5-question quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question.

1. What is the formula for the area of a rectangle?
2. A rectangle is 9 cm long and 4 cm wide. What is its area?
3. What units are used to measure area?
4. A rectangle has an area of 24 m². If its width is 4 m, what is its length?
5. Which rectangle has the largest area?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about rectangle areas:

Math Trivia

Discover interesting facts about rectangles and measurement:

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