Question

Translate this problem to an equation and solve. The area of a patio is 72 square feet. The length of the patio is 1 foot longer than width. What is the width of the patio?

Answer 1

A = LW
A = 72
L = W + 1

72 = W(W + 1)
72 = W^2 + W
W^2 + W - 72 = 0
(W + 9)(W - 8) = 0

W + 9 = 0
W = -9......extraneous solution...does not work here

W - 8 = 0
W = 8 <==

L = W + 1
L = 8 + 1
L = 9

so the width (W) is 8 ft and the Length is 9 ft