What is the area of the rectangle in square units and how can i explain my answer

The area of your rectangle will vary depending on the dimensions.  The area of any rectangle can be found with a simple equation...

Area = Length x Width    or    A = l x w

The answer to the area question will ALWAYS be in square units because when you multiply, you also multiply the units so, for example 2 inches x 2 inches = 4 inches^2.

Let's take a look at an example...  You have a rectangle with a length of 8 feet and a width of 4 feet.  What's the area?

Well... Area = Length x Width,  so

Area = 8 ft x 4 ft
Area = 32 ft^2

Easy as that!