Do you add or subtract with area?

Answer 1

If you are solving for area of a basic shape, you multiply and follow formulas
i.e. square = L^2 rectangle = L*W Circle = (pi)r^2 Triangle = .5BH etc.
If you are solving the area for a complex shape, such as a square, rectangle, and triangle conjoined, you add the areas of each individual shape.
You will only ever subtract if trying to find a new area after cutting out a shape from it (which won't be done until later maths)