Question

Heather clears a rectangular region in her yard for a garden. If the length is a one-digit whole number and the width is 5.5 meters, what is the least possible area? What is the greatest possible area? What is the greatest possible area? Explain how you found your answers.

Answer 1

the least possible area is when the length is equal to 1m ( since this is the smallest single digit while number)

Amin = 5.5m × 1m = 5.5m²

there greatest possible area is when the length is equal to 9m (since this is the greatest single digit whole number)

Amax = 5.5m × 9m = 49.5m²

Answer 2

Least possible area is 5.5 m² and greatest possible area is 49.5 m².

Explanation:

∵ Area of a rectangle = length × width,

Let x be the length ( in meters ) of the rectangular garden,

We have, width of the garden = 5.5 meters,

So, area of the rectangle,

A = 5.5x

If x = one-digit whole number,

Then x = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, ...... 9}

If x = 0, A = 0 ( not possible ),

Thus, least area would be possible if x = 1 meter,

So, least possible area of the garden, A = 5.5 m²,

While, greatest area would be possible if x = greatest i.e. 9 meter,

So, greatest possible area of the garden, A = 5.5 × 9 = 49.5 m²