Find the area of a square with side length s = 10 feet. What is the area (in square feet)?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks basic area calculation for a square. When the side length is given, the area is found by squaring the side: Area = s*s. Since s is measured in feet, the area will be measured in square feet. The options are simple round numbers designed to catch common errors like multiplying by 4 (perimeter thinking) or multiplying by 2. The correct operation is squaring, not doubling or quadrupling.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Side length s = 10 feet
• Area of square = s^2
• Units: feet for side, square feet for area

Concept / Approach:
Compute s^2: Area = 10^2. This is a direct formula substitution problem.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Area = s^2 Area = 10^2 Area = 10 * 10 = 100 square feet

Verification / Alternative check:
Since 10 is a base-10 number, squaring it ends with two zeros: 10^2 = 100. Also, if you imagine a 10-by-10 grid of 1 sq ft tiles, there are 100 tiles, which matches the computed area.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
200 and 300 can come from doubling or tripling 100 without reason. 400 can come from confusing with perimeter squared or other incorrect operations. 500 is unrelated and is typically a distractor for careless guessing.

Common Pitfalls:
Computing perimeter (4*10=40) instead of area, or using 2*s instead of s*s.

Final Answer:
The area is 100 square feet.