FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

The area of a rectangle is found by multiplying which two dimensions?

1. Length and height

2. Length and width

3. Width and height

4. Length and depth

The correct answer is: Length and width

The area of a rectangle is calculated by multiplying its length and width. This is because the area represents the amount of space contained within the rectangle. Length refers to one side of the rectangle, while width refers to the adjacent side. When you multiply these two dimensions, you essentially count all the unit squares that can fit inside the rectangle, giving you the total area. In a three-dimensional context, height and depth are used but not in the calculation of the area of a rectangle specifically. The terms "length and height" or "length and depth" imply a three-dimensional figure, such as a rectangular prism, which is not relevant when discussing the two-dimensional area of a rectangle. Similarly, "width and height" does not yield a meaningful measure for a rectangular area. Understanding the specific dimensions involved in a rectangle is crucial for correctly determining its area.