GED Mathematical Reasoning TestQuantitative Problem Solving with Rational NumbersMedium
A rectangular garden measures 8 1/2 feet by 12 feet. What is the area of the garden in square feet?
- A41 square feet
- B20.5 square feet
- C120 square feet
- D102 square feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 102 square feet
To find the area of a rectangle, multiply its length by its width. Convert 8 1/2 to a decimal (8.5) or an improper fraction (17/2). Then, 8.5 * 12 = 102 square feet.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is the perimeter (2 * (8.5 + 12)).
- B. This is the perimeter (2 * (8.5 + 12)) divided by 2, or just the sum of the sides.
- C. This might result from rounding 8 1/2 to 10 or a miscalculation.
Area of a Rectangle
The area of a rectangle is the amount of space it covers, calculated by multiplying its length by its width. The units are always squared.
- Formula: Area = Length × Width (A = L × W).
- Units are expressed as square units (e.g., ft², m²).
- Mixed numbers should be converted to decimals or improper fractions for calculation.
Memory trick: Length times width, don't forget the square, for every flat space, big or rare.