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What are the common mathematical formulas for area?

For many geometric figures, the formula for area is simply: "base times height," or some fraction thereof. The height of an object is a line perpendicular to the base, equal to the distance from the vertex (highest point) to the opposite side. "Area" describes two-dimensional objects and is expressed in square units, such as square inches.

Area of a rectangle:

Area = base times height

Area of a square:

Area = base times height

Because in a square, base equals height, both can be considered "sides." Therefore, we sometimes write the formula for a square as:

Area of a parallelogram: (A parallelogram is a four-sided figure in which opposite sides are of equal length and parallel to one another.)

Area =base times height

Area of a rhombus: (A rhombus is an equilateral...

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