How do you calculate the area of a rectangle?

To calculate the area of a rectangle, you multiply its length by its width. This formula arises from the geometric definition of area, which represents the amount of space within the boundaries of a shape. Since a rectangle is defined by its two dimensions—length and width—multiplying these two values provides a precise measurement of the space the rectangle occupies.

For example, if a rectangle measures 5 meters in length and 3 meters in width, the area can be calculated as 5 × 3, which equals 15 square meters. This method allows for an accurate representation of area that is applicable in various contexts, such as calculating material requirements for construction or fabricating components in aviation maintenance.

This calculation stands in contrast to the other options, which either do not relate to area calculation or represent other geometric concepts. Summing the length and width gives a perimeter measure, subtracting one from the other does not yield any significant measurement relevant to area, and multiplying by two is used for calculating the perimeter rather than the area.