Question

The ratio of the length of a rectangle to its width is 8 to 5. If the longer side of the rectangle is 20 ft, what is the length of its shorter side?

A: 14.5 ft


B: 12.5 ft


C: 19.5 ft


D: 10.5 ft

Answer 1

8/5 = 20/X
Cross Multiply
8x = 100
Divide
X = 12.5

B. 12.5 ft

Answer 2

length of the shorter side is 12.5 ft.

B is correct

Explanation:

Let x be the length and y be the width of the rectangle.

Then, we have

`(x)/(y)={8}{5}...(i)`

Now, it has been given that the longer side of the rectangle is 20 ft.

Hence, x = 20

Plugging this value in equation (i)

`(20)/(y)={8}{5}`

Solve this equation for y

`y={20* 5}{8}\\\\y=(25)/(2)\\\\y=12.5`

Thus, length of the shorter side is 12.5 ft.