Simple Question

I never have the time to read a book for almost three years now. I know, it is not good and I blame myself for that. I got a call today from a friend who asked me a simple question. Her daughter is in fourth grade and have an assignment: What's the perimeter of a rectangle? I was like, uhmmm...LOL! I gave my best answer. BUT, I told her that I was confused as to what's the difference of perimeter and an area. Okay, I told her that I will call back and clarify that confusing differences. After my short research, I was glad that I did not forget the basics of mathematics. Afterall, the hardest answer is coming from the simplest question.