Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Practice Test

What is the area formula for a parallelogram?

1. Base + Height

2. Base - Height

3. Base x Height

4. Width x Height

The correct answer is: Base x Height

The area of a parallelogram can be determined using the formula that multiplies the base by the height. This is because the area represents the amount of space enclosed within the parallelogram's boundaries. In this context, the base refers to one of the parallel sides of the parallelogram, and the height is the perpendicular distance between the two parallel sides. This relationship is essential because it captures how wide the shape is (base) and how tall it is (height), ultimately giving a product that quantifies the area. The other options do not correctly represent the method for calculating the area of a parallelogram. The concept of addition or subtraction involving the base and height does not apply here, as area is not derived from these operations in this context. Furthermore, while "width x height" might intuitively suggest a relationship with area, in the context of parallelograms specifically, it is more accurate to define area in terms of "base x height." This captures the specific attributes of parallelograms, distinguishing them from shapes where width is a defining measure.