The length of the rectangular sign is 3 feet longer than the width. If the sign's area is 54 square feet, find its length and width.

Question

This is a college Algebra question.

Answer 1

Let w = the width

Let w + 3 = the length

A = lw

54 = w(w+3)

54 = w² + 3w

w² + 3w - 54 = 0

(w+9)(w-6) = 0

w + 9 = 0         and                          w - 6 = 0

    w = -9 (illogical answer)                  w = 6 feet

Length = 6 + 3 = 9 feet

 

Just as a side note, I graduated from Elgin High School.