Final answer:
In the formula P = 2l + 2w, "P" represents the perimeter of a rectangle, which is the total distance around the shape.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the formula P = 2l + 2w, "P" represents the perimeter of a rectangle. When looking at various geometric formulas, it's important to understand that each variable typically represents a specific dimension or measurement related to a shape. The formula given calculates the total distance around the rectangle, which is indeed the perimeter. The letter "l" signifies the length of the rectangle, and "w" stands for the width.
To calculate the perimeter, you would add together the lengths of all four sides. As a rectangle has two pairs of equal sides, its perimeter can be calculated by doubling the length and width and then adding these two numbers together. This is precisely what the formula P = 2l + 2w does.