Answer:
(a)
smaller value = 125 ft
larger value = 250 ft
(b)
31250 ft²
Explanation:
(a)
In total, the farmer used 875ft worth of fencing.
In terms of x, the total fencing used is: 2x + x + x + x + 2x = 7x
This means 7x=875ft. Dividing both sides by 7, we find x=125ft
The dimensions of the rectangular enclosure in terms of x are "x and 2x". Subbing in 125ft for x, these dimensions become "125ft and 2(125ft)" or "125ft and 250ft".
(b)
Since we know the enclosure is 125ft long and 250ft wide, and since the area of a rectangle is its length times its width, the are of the enclosure is:
125ft * 250ft = 31250 ft²