What formula is used to find the perimeter of a rectangle?

The formula used to find the perimeter of a rectangle is based on the definition of perimeter, which is the total distance around the shape. For a rectangle, the perimeter is calculated by adding the lengths of all four sides. Since a rectangle has two pairs of equal sides, the formula effectively combines the lengths of those sides.

The correct formula, P = 2(l + w), captures this by summing the length (l) and width (w) of the rectangle and then multiplying that sum by 2. This step accounts for both pairs of sides: one pair of lengths and one pair of widths.

Another expression for the perimeter, which is also valid, is P = 2l + 2w. Both formulas are equivalent because they ultimately express the same relationship through different means. However, the option chosen provides a more simplified view by grouping length and width together first.

The other choices do not correctly represent the calculation of the perimeter. The option representing P = l x w calculates the area of the rectangle instead. The option P = l + w only sums the length and width, failing to account for both sides of the rectangle. Thus, both do not accurately reflect how to determine the perimeter of a rectangle.