What is the perimeter formula for a rectangle?

The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is based on the definition of perimeter itself, which is the total distance around a two-dimensional shape. For a rectangle, you have two lengths and two widths. The perimeter can be calculated by summing the lengths of all sides.

In a rectangle, the lengths of the opposite sides are equal. Therefore, if you denote the length of the rectangle as "length" and the width as "width," the perimeter can be expressed as:

Perimeter = length + width + length + width

This expression can be simplified by combining like terms:

Perimeter = 2(length) + 2(width) = 2(length + width)

This correctly reflects the total length around the rectangle, leading to the formula provided in the correct answer. Understanding this formula is essential when calculating perimeter in various geometry problems and real-world applications.