[scintill76]

Yes, the difference between length and width is only one of perception or orientation. I emphasized it because I felt like you went too far in the other direction, almost implying that which axis is which doesn't matter geometrically. A 5x3 rectangle drawn in 2D space with labeled axes is not the same as a 3x5 rectangle, even if they have equal perimeter and area. There might be some value in trying to make sure the student understands that.

[JoeAltmaier]

The act of calculating the area surely does mean they are the same rectangle. Because they can be written down in more than one way is a weakness of the notation; the math is independent of that.