The ratio of the width to the length is approxiamately 5 to 8. Using this ratio, what should be the length of a rectangle if its width is to be 30 inches?

Question

The first part says that a rectangle that is pleasing to the eye is called a "golden rectangle." Don't know if this helps.

Answer 1

Hi, Emily,

 

     "Ratio" means to write a fraction.      width to height=    width/ height

 

1. Use substitution  to find the length of the rectangle, w=30 inches.

 

2.        5 to 8  =   5/8          5/8  =  W/h            5/8=  30/h                 Let   h=height

 

3.  You can then rename the fraction to the right of the equal sign in higher terms by asking yourself what do you multiply 5 by to get 30.  That would be 6.  Then multiply the denominator by 6 as well, so 8*6=_______  =Length  , and you are done!

 

4.  Also, you can cross multiply to solve as well.  For example,  5h=8*30      5h=240 .      Then just divide by the number next to h, 5, and you are done.

 

If I have helped you, please give me a thumbs up.

                                        Susan C.