College Algebra

Question

The rectangular pasture shown below is to be fenced in along a riverbank. If 288 feet of fencing is to enclose an area of 9,856 square feet, find the dimensions of the pasture. (Let the length refer to the side opposite the riverbank.)

Answer 1

L+2w = 288 and Lw = 9856

L = 288 - 2w

(288 - 2w)w = 9856

288w - 2w^2 = 9856

2w^2 - 288w + 9856 = 0

w^2 - 144w + 4928 = 0

(w - 88)(w - 56) = 0

w=88 --> L = 112

w=56 --> 176