Which formula correctly calculates the area of a rectangle?

The formula that correctly calculates the area of a rectangle is the one that states Area = base × height. This formula is derived from the definition of a rectangle, which is a quadrilateral with opposite sides that are equal in length and parallel.

In this context, the term "base" can refer to the length of any one of the sides of the rectangle, while "height" refers to the perpendicular distance between the two bases, effectively measuring how tall the rectangle is. By multiplying the length of the base by the height, you find the total area covered by the rectangle in square units.

This principle reflects the mathematical reasoning that area measures the extent of a two-dimensional shape. In the case of rectangles, since the shape has constant width across its height, the multiplication gives us the total number of square units that fit within the rectangle's boundaries.

Other options do not provide correct methodologies for calculating the area of a rectangle. For instance, adding the dimensions together does not take into account the two-dimensional nature of the shape. Similarly, dividing the product of base and height by 2 may pertain to calculating areas of triangles, not rectangles. Therefore, the correct and universally accepted formula for rectangles is indeed Area = base × height.