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15 votes
pls help me I really suck at math,, the length of a rectangle is four less than the width. if the area is 32ft^2, find the width and length.​

User Shf
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1 Answer

17 votes
17 votes

Answer:

L = Length.

W = Width.

A = Area

First Interpretation.

L – 4 = W------(i)

2nd Interpretation

L x W = 32 -----(ii)

Since Area of a Rectangle = LxW

Substituting eqn (i) into eqn (ii)

L x ( L – 4) = 32

L² – 4L = 32

L² – 4L – 32 = 0

Solving Quadratically.

L = 8 or –4

The dimension of Length can't be negative in this case.

So we go with L= 8

W = L – 4

W = 8 – 4

W = 4

L x W = 32

4 x 8 = 32.

Note.

The 2nd value of L can also give this value.

Have a look.

L = –4

W = L – 4

W = –4 –4 = –8

L x W = –4 x –8 = 32.

But I'd go with the Positive L value.

Unless you're asked to state all Possible values of L and W.

Have a great day :)

User Sebastian Viereck
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