
David F. answered 01/18/20
Math Wiz from MIT
F = P * A
where
F = force (N)
A = area (m^2 = sqaure meters)
P = pressure (N / m^2)
THe problem gives F = 16 and P = 4.
Solve for A
A = F/P = 16 /4 = 4
Using units to be more helpful and checking that units of A are in square meters:
A = 16 N / (4 N / m^2) = 4 m^2
The N units cancel out in the denominator and numerator.
If the area is a square than
A = s^2 (sides squared)
4 = s^2
s = square root of 4 = negative 2 or positive 2.
We toss out the negative 2 answer because it doesn't make sense physically.
THe answer is 2 meters.