A rectangular garden covers 40 yd^2. The length is 2 yd longer than the width. Find the length and width. Round to nearest tenth of a yard

Question

A. Write an equation in terms of x that represents the given relationship

b. Solve the equation to find the dimensions of the given shape

Answer 1

Area equals length times width

l = (x + 2)

w = x

A = 40

40 = x(x +2) or 40 = x^2 + 2x

x^2 + 2x - 40 = 0 will not factor use quadratic formula.

a = 1 , b = 2, c = -40

b^2 - 4ac = (2)^2 - 4(1)(-40) =4+160 =164

164^(1/2) = 12.8

-2 + 12.8 = 10.8/ 2 = 5.4

-2 - 12.8 = -14.8/2 = -7.3 not acceptable

Therefore your answers are 5.4 and 7.4