How is the area of a circle calculated?

The area of a circle is calculated using the formula A = πr², where A represents the area, π (approximately 3.14) is a mathematical constant that represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, and r is the radius of the circle.

In this case, the correct choice accurately employs the formula by utilizing multiplication, specifically 3.14 (or π) multiplied by the radius squared (radius x radius). This approach effectively gives the total area contained within the boundaries of the circle.

To understand why the other options do not represent the formula for the area of a circle: the division and addition methods in those choices do not align with the principles of geometry that define how to derive the area, which specifically involves squaring the radius and multiplying it by π. The area of a circle must always embody the multiplication of the radius by itself, then scaled by the constant 3.14, reflecting the circular shape's properties accurately.