Suppose you want to build a deck around your pool with a uniform width on all sides. The pool measures 15 yards by 20 yards. You want to increase the area of the pool to 600 yd2. What is the width of the deck?

I'm sure it's simple I just don't get what I'm supposed to do.

Question

Suppose you want to build a deck around your pool with a uniform width on all sides. The pool measures 15 yards by 20 yards. You want to increase the area of the pool to 600 yd2. What is the width of the deck?

I'm sure it's simple I just don't get what I'm supposed to do.

anonymous · Answer

(20 + 2X) * (15 + 2X) = 600
300 + 40X + 30X + 4X^2 = 600
300 + 70X + 4X^2 = 600
4X^2 + 70X - 300 = 0

The real root of this equation is X = 3.561 yards This is the width of the deck.

phi · Answer

it is not *that* simple.

First step is draw a picture

anonymous · Answer

would've taken me ages to figure out lol thank you! :)

anonymous · Answer

no problem:)