Question

The length of a rectangle (x+5) inches long, and the width is 3 2/5 inches. If the area is 51 square inches, write and solve an equation to find the length of the rectangle.

Answer 1

The area of a rectangle is length times width.
So in this case, 51=(x+5)(3 2/5)
Rewrite the fraction to be improper so 51=(x+5)(17/5)
Now solve...
51=17x/5+17 Now subtract 17 for both sides.
34=17x/5 Now cross multiply to solve for x.
34(5)=17x
170=17x
X=170/17=10

So, the length is x+5=10+5=15 inches

Check: A=(15)(3 2/5) = (15)(17/5) = 51 correct area

ANSWER: length=15 inches