Question

The area of a rectangular piece of land is 240 square meters. If the length of the land was 5 meters less and the width was 3 meters more, the shape of the land would be a square.

Part A: Write an equation to find the width (x) of the land. Show the steps of your work. (5 points)

Part B: What is the width of the land in meters? Show the steps of your work. (5 points)

Answer 1

@sidsiddhartha @AliyaMarie9 @arbershabani97

Answer 2

well if the length is l and width is w, and side length of the square is x

then for length of the square

x = l - 5

or making l the subject

l = x + 5

same thinking for the width

x = w + 3

or by making w the subject

w = x - 3

And you know the area is

240 = lw


which means the equation of the square can be written as

240 = (x + 5)(x - 3)


so now you have the equation... all you need to do is solve for x.

by forming the quadratic equation you can solve.

Answer 3

x=-15,17?

Answer 4

oh wait switch the signs

Answer 5

x=15,-17

Answer 6

thats better... so which solution would you use...?

Answer 7

do i subtract 5 and add 3

Answer 8

i don't really get what ur asking

Answer 9

well the question is poorly worded... but I'd assume you need to go to the original width equation and substitute the appropriate value of x.

Answer 10

so 5 less then 15 is 10 and 3 more then -17 is -14 but idk i don't get it

Answer 11

well let me ask you this... you are dealing with measurements.... can you have negative measurements when calculating area.... it may help you decide which solution to use....

Answer 12

and remember for the original area

length = x + 5

width = x - 3

Answer 13

okay so it would definitely be 15 15+5 is 20 15-3 is 12 12 times 20 is 240 and wallah

Answer 14

so that's all for part a or for both?

Answer 15

the width is 12 meters right?

Answer 16

that looks good for me...