The two formulas for lateral area, L.A. = 2lh + 2wh and L.A. = P · h, produce the same result because they are different expressions of the same concept. In both formulas, the lateral area of a shape is calculated by multiplying the height of the shape by the perimeter of its base. The first formula, L.A. = 2lh + 2wh, breaks the lateral area down into two rectangular sides (2lh) and two smaller rectangular sides (2wh). The second formula, L.A. = P · h, uses the perimeter of the shape's base (P) and the height (h) to find the lateral area. Regardless of which formula is used, the result will always be the same.