The length of rectangular garden is 8 feet longer than the width.

Question

The length of rectangular garden is 8 feet longer than the width. If the area of the garden is 20 square feet, find the length and width of the garden.

Answer 1

Start out by drawing out a rectangle and label the Width W=x, then label the Length L as "Width +8"=x+8. Then the problem gives you some more information. The area of the rectangular shaped garden is 20 sq. ft. So that means if you find the area of the rectangle (L*W)=20ft²=x(x+8)=20. From here we just need to solve x using algebra.

x(x+8)=20

x²+8x-20=0

(x+10)(x-2)=0

x=-10, x=2

Now here we get 2 different answers. Well, we have to use x=2 ft. because you cant have a fence that is -10 or -3 or -100ft long. So the unit must be POSITIVE. Since we know W=2, then L=2+8=10