Sam’s plasma TV has a 14 in by 18 in screen with a plastic trim border. The total area of the TV and border is 480 in2. How wide is the trim around the TV?

Question

anonymous · Answer

tv area is 14 x 18 = 252.

The total area - tv area is the trim area

480 - 252 = 228

480 = (14 + x)(18 + x) = x^2 + 32x + 252

x^2 + 32x - 228 = 0

You can now just solve for "x" using the quadratic formula:$$x = \frac{ -b \pm \sqrt{b ^{2} - 4ac} }{ 2a }$$

anonymous · Answer

So, x = 6

anonymous · Answer

thank you very much. im pretty much a pro at the quadratic formula so i should get that answer in like 5 minutes

anonymous · Answer

That's good to hear.  I almost wish that I didn't completely work out the final answer.  Just cover it up what I did and use it for verification!   :-)

anonymous · Answer

Good luck in all of your studies and thx for the recognition!  And you're welcome! @alassen

anonymous · Answer

Ill reply back in a little bit to see if i got 6

anonymous · Answer

ok, I'll hang around.

anonymous · Answer

so far i have x = -32 + or - square root of 1936 divided by 2

anonymous · Answer

is that right so far?

anonymous · Answer

Yes, that's right, but you can eliminate the "-" in the +- because you will have a physical measurement which will be positive.

anonymous · Answer

now i have x = -32 + or - square root of 44 times square root of 44 divided by 2

anonymous · Answer

Yes, but again, you should eliminate the "- square root of..."  It's going to be + the square root of...

So, (44 - 32)/2

anonymous · Answer

i got 6! thanks a lot

anonymous · Answer

You're welcome!  Cool that you got it!