What is the formula for calculating the area of a rectangle?

The area of a rectangle is calculated by multiplying its width and length. This relationship is based on the fundamental geometric principle that a rectangle consists of length extending in one direction and width extending in the perpendicular direction. The result of the multiplication gives the total space contained within the rectangle's boundaries.

The use of the width and length in the formula directly reflects the two dimensions of the rectangle, making it essential for determining the area accurately. Understanding this concept is crucial for various applications, such as construction, landscaping, and any situation where space planning is necessary.

The other options involve variables that do not correctly represent the dimensions of a rectangle. For instance, "D" might stand for depth, which is not relevant when calculating a flat, two-dimensional area as required for a rectangle. Similarly, height does not apply when considering area in the context of a rectangle on a plane. Hence, using width and length (W and L) is the right approach for this calculation.