Area of a Rectangle
The area of a rectangle is found by multiplying its length by its width: A = l × w in Grade 6 math (Saxon Math, Course 1). Area measures the number of square units that fit inside a flat shape. For example, a rectangle 8 cm long and 5 cm wide has area 8 × 5 = 40 cm². When dimensions are in feet, area is in square feet (ft²). The formula works for any rectangle, including squares (since both dimensions are equal for a square). Real-world applications include flooring, painting walls, gardening, and any problem involving flat surface coverage. Area is always expressed in square units.
Key Concepts
Property To find the area of a rectangle, use the formula: $$ \text{Length} \times \text{width} = \text{area} $$.
Examples A garden is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide. Its area is $10 \text{ ft} \times 5 \text{ ft} = 50 \text{ sq. ft}$. A sheet of paper is 11 inches long and 8 inches wide. Its area is $11 \text{ in} \times 8 \text{ in} = 88 \text{ sq. in}$. A soccer field is 100 meters long and 60 meters wide. Its area is $100 \text{ m} \times 60 \text{ m} = 6000 \text{ sq. m}$.
Explanation Instead of counting every single square unit inside a rectangle one by one, there's a fantastic shortcut! Just multiply the length of the rectangle by its width. This calculation instantly tells you how many square units are needed to fill the entire shape. It's the quickest way to find the total space inside any rectangle.
Common Questions
What is the formula for the area of a rectangle?
A = length × width. Multiply the two perpendicular dimensions together.
What is the area of a rectangle 9 m long and 4 m wide?
A = 9 × 4 = 36 m².
Why is area measured in square units?
Area counts how many unit squares fit inside the shape. 36 m² means 36 squares, each 1 m × 1 m, fit inside the rectangle.
What is the area of a square with side 7 cm?
A = 7 × 7 = 49 cm². A square is a rectangle with equal length and width.
If a room is 12 ft × 15 ft, how many square feet of carpet are needed?
A = 12 × 15 = 180 square feet of carpet.