Which formula correctly determines the number of square feet in an area?

The formula that accurately determines the number of square feet in an area is found by multiplying the length by the width. This approach is based on the geometric principle that the area of a rectangle (or square) is calculated through this multiplication.

When you multiply length by width, you're effectively counting how many square units fit within that area. For example, if you have a rectangular floor that is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide, the total area is calculated as 10 feet (length) multiplied by 5 feet (width), resulting in an area of 50 square feet.

Understanding this formula is essential not only in real estate and construction but also in many aspects of design and planning, emphasizing the importance of accurately measuring and calculating space. The other options, while they involve the dimensions of an area, do not yield a correct calculation for area. Length plus width might provide a perimeter measurement, subtraction would suggest a difference without relevant spatial context, and division would not apply to area calculation.