Find the length of the rectangle

Question

A rectangle is drawn so that the width is 2 ft shorter than the length. The area of the rectangle is 24 sq feet. Find the length of the rectangle.

Answer 1

Hi Aixa,

 

Let's say that w is the width and l is the length. From the information given, we know:

 

w = l - 2

w * l = 24

 

We can use substitution to find l.

 

(l - 2) * l = 24

 

l^2 - 2*l = 24

 

l^2 - 2l - 24 = 0   

 

(l - 6)(l + 4) = 0

 

l = 6 feet or -4 feet

 

Since length cannot be negative, our length is 6 feet.

 

Hope this helps!