FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

Which equation correctly represents the area of a rectangle?

1. Length + Width

2. 2(Length + Width)

3. Length X Width

4. Length - Width

The correct answer is: Length X Width

The area of a rectangle is calculated by multiplying its length by its width. This is expressed mathematically as "Length X Width." When you multiply these two dimensions, you obtain the total area enclosed by the rectangle, measured in square units. The other options do not accurately represent the area of a rectangle. For example, adding the length and width simply yields a perimeter-related figure rather than an area. Similarly, doubling that sum, as in option B, also relates to perimeter calculation rather than the actual area. Lastly, subtracting width from length does not pertain to area calculation at all, as it merely provides a difference between the two linear measurements. Thus, the correct representation of the area remains Length X Width.