Question

which best describes the area of a polygon?
a. the distance around the outside edge
b. the number of square units contained in the interior
c. the number of cubic units contained in the interior
d. the product of the side lengths

Explanation:

• Option A describes the perimeter (distance around the outside), not area.
• Option B: Area of a polygon is the measure of the space (in square units) inside it, so this matches the definition of area.
• Option C refers to volume (cubic units), which is for 3 - D shapes, while polygons are 2 - D.
• Option D: The product of side lengths is not a general definition of area for all polygons (e.g., a triangle's area is $\frac{1}{2}bh$, not just product of sides).

Answer:

B. The number of square units contained in the interior