What is the area formula for a rectangle?

The area of a rectangle can be found using the formula that multiplies its length by its width. This is because the area represents the total space enclosed within the rectangle. By multiplying the length (the longer side of the rectangle) by the width (the shorter side), you effectively calculate how many square units fit within the boundaries defined by these two dimensions.

The other options do not accurately represent the area calculation for a rectangle. Adding the length and width would only give a perimeter-like value, not an area. Subtracting the width from the length does not relate to the space occupied by the rectangle. The option that involves multiplying by 2 and adding the two dimensions also pertains to the calculation of the perimeter rather than the area. Thus, the choice that correctly defines the area of the rectangle is indeed the multiplication of length and width.