The length of rectangular garden is 5 feet longer than the width.

Question

The length of rectangular garden is 5 feet longer than the width. If the area of the garden is 36 square feet, find the length and width of the garden.

Answer 1

Let W = width of garden (ft)

 

1)      L = length of garden (ft) = W + 5

 

2)     A = L*W = 36 ft²

 

Substitute equation 1) into equation 2) and solve for W:

 

(W+5)*W = 36

 

W² + 5*W - 36 = 0      (factor quadratic to find roots)

 

(W - 4)(w + 9) = 0     (can only use positive root, W = 4)

 

W = 4 ft wide 

 

L = W + 5 = 4 + 5 = 9 ft long