diff --git a/area.py b/area.py
index 2f14685..efb6c5b 100644
--- a/area.py
+++ b/area.py
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 def rectangle_area(length, width):
     if length < 0 or width < 0:
         raise ValueError('Length and width must be positive numbers')
-    return length * width
+    return length + width
 
 def circle_area(radius):
     if radius < 0: