Dimensions

Question

The area of a rectangle is
52 m2
, and the length of the rectangle is
5 m
less than double the width. Find the dimensions of the rectangle.

Answer 1

Hello, again , Colin

 

Let w be the width

Let l  be the length

 

l= 2w-5, since the problems sates that" 5 less than double the width"

a=     l       w                 I am going to substitute a=52 and l=2w-5

52=(2w-5)(w)                Using the distributive formula

52= 2w^2-5w                Subtracting 54 from both sides

-52               -52

0= 2w^2-5w-52             Factoring

0= (2w-13) (w+4)          We cannot use W=-4 since dimensions cannot be negative.

 

So, 2w-13= 0

      2w= 13

        w= 6.5

To find l, use l=2w-5

                      2(6.5)-5

                         13-5

                            8

 

So, Colin, there you have it.  w=6.5 and l=8. 

Take care and keep posting.

 

D.Y. Taylor