Lauretta J. Fox
In a rectangle any side may be called a base. The altitude to the base, also known as the height of the figure, is a segment drawn perpendicular to the base from a point on the opposite side. The measures of the base and altitude are denoted by b and h respectively. Consecutive sides of a rectangle are perpendicular.
(figure available in print form)
In rectangle EFGH, EF is the base, and HE is the altitude drawn to the base. When each side of the rectangle is divided into unit segments, b 3 units and h 2 units. The number of square units contained in the rectangle is six or three times two. Thus, the area of the rectangle equals the product of the base and altitude.
Area of a Rectangle = Base x Altitude or A=bh
Example:
Find the area of a rectangle whose base is 8.4 cm. and whose altitude is 15.6 cm. in length.
Solution:
A= bh A= 8.4 x 15.6 =131.04 sq. ft.
