Word Problem

Question

The length of a rectangular flower is 11 ft. less than 3 times its width. The area of the bed is 20 ft². Find the dimensions of the flower bed.

How do I solve this problem step by step?

Answer 1

1. Name and define the variables you will use.

     Let L be the length of the flower bed.

     Let W be the width of the flower bed.

 

2.  Write down the equations that you are given in the problem.

     L = 3W-11 

     L*W = 20.

 

3. Combine the two equations.  You know what L equals in the first equation, so substitute it into the second equation.

 

     (3W-11)*W=20

 

     3W²-11W = 20

     3W² - 11W - 20 = 0

 

Can you solve it from here?