Investigate the area of a rectangle. Consider why the [b]area [/b]of any shape is always described as [b]______ square units[/b].

Investigation:[br]1. Move the sliders Base and Height and describe what happens to the image.[br]2. What relationship does the number of squares have with the area of the rectangle?[br]3. Is there a way to find the number of squares without counting them?[br]4. What conjecture can you make about the formula for area of a rectangle?[br]5. Why do we write area as _____ square units?[br]6. On your paper, draw a rectangle that is 3.5 centimeters by 5.5 centimeters. What is the rectangle's area?