The approximate area of a rectangle with the dimensions 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches is 8.75 square inches, which is found by multiplying the length by the width.
The question asks for the approximate area of a rectangle with given dimensions. To calculate the area of a rectangle, multiply its length by its width. In this case, the length is 2.5 inches and the width is 3.5 inches.
Area = length × width = 2.5 inches × 3.5 inches = 8.75 square inches.
The correct answer is therefore 8.75 square inches (option A), which falls within the available choices. It is essential to note that option D mentions square centimeters, which can be misleading because the given dimensions are in inches, ensuring units are consistent is important in final calculations.
In conclusion, when calculating the area of a rectangle, it's critical to multiply the correct units to get an accurate final answer. Option A is identified as the appropriate choice given the measures provided.