SOLUTION: The formula width x height could be used for area. Another common algorithm used for area is length x width. Why are two different formulas acceptable? Why might using height in

Algebra ->  Formulas -> SOLUTION: The formula width x height could be used for area. Another common algorithm used for area is length x width. Why are two different formulas acceptable? Why might using height in      Log On


   



Question 891466: The formula width x height could be used for area. Another common algorithm used for area is length x width. Why are two different formulas acceptable? Why might using height in the area formula be confusing for students?

Answer by AnlytcPhil(1806) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
"Height" always means vertical measurement (up and down), while "width"
often, but not always means horizontal measurement (right to left).  Sometimes 
"base" is used for the horizontal meansurement.

But when rectangles are turned sideways and the height becomes the width (base)
and the width (base) becomes the height.  But since width x height and
height x width are the same, it doesn't matter which we call which.

It is customary to label the greater dimension of a rectangle the "length" and
the shorter the "width".  But this is not always adhered to.

The best way would be to say "The area of a rectangle is the product of the
two perpendicular dimensions" and make the formula A = d1d2.

Edwin