A rectangular wheelchair slalom course has length 30 m and breadth 16 m. Find the area of the course (in sq m).

Introduction / Context:This question tests the area formula for a rectangle in a real-world context (a race course). The area of a rectangle is found by multiplying its length and breadth: Area = length * breadth. The dimensions are given in metres, so the resulting area will be in square metres. This is a direct calculation problem, and the options are close enough that a small multiplication mistake could lead you to a wrong choice. The safest method is to multiply carefully and keep units consistent.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Length = 30 m
• Breadth = 16 m
• Area of rectangle = length * breadth

Concept / Approach:Use rectangle area formula and multiply 30 by 16. Keep the result in sq m.

Step-by-Step Solution: Area = 30 * 16 30 * 16 = (3 * 16) * 10 = 48 * 10 Area = 480 sq m

Verification / Alternative check:Estimate: 30*16 is close to 30*15=450, plus one more 30 gives 480. This quick check matches the computed answer and confirms there is no arithmetic slip.

Why Other Options Are Wrong: 560 is 35*16 or 28*20 style confusion, not 30*16. 180 is too small and may come from adding (30+16) and squaring incorrectly. 460 and 500 are near distractors for sloppy multiplication.

Common Pitfalls:Adding length and breadth instead of multiplying, dropping a zero (getting 48 instead of 480), or mixing up dimensions from a diagram.

Final Answer:The area of the course is 480 sq m.