College Algebra Word Problem

Question

The length of a garden is 5 ft less than twice its width. The area of the garden is 88ft squared. Find the length and width of the garden

Answer 1

Let x = width of the garden

2x - 5 = length of the garden

 

area of rectangular garden = length x width

88 sq ft = (2x - 5) x 

 

     88   = 2x² - 5x

      0    = 2x² - 5x - 88

 

Factor out 2x² - 5x - 88

 

       0 = (2x + 11) (x -8)

 

2x + 11 = 0         and       x - 8 = 0

 x = -11/2

 

you cannot use negative number for distance so use x -8 = 0

 

x - 8 = 0

x = 8

 

Therefore the width x is 8 ft

                     length (2x -5) is 11 ft