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you need to fence off two rectangular lots. the larger of two lots is 45 feet long and 22 feet wide, while the smaller lot is 24 feet long and 16 feet wide. How much fencing in feet will you need to fully enclose both lots?

User Edoardo Vacchi
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1 Answer

16 votes
16 votes

Answer: 214 feet of fencing

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Step-by-step explanation:

I'll assume that both lots are not adjacent. So we have two separate rectangles that aren't touching.

We use the rectangle perimeter formula

P = 2(L+W)

where L is the length and W is the width. For the first rectangle, we have L = 45 and W = 22, so

P = 2(L+W)

P = 2(45+22)

P = 2(67)

P = 134

You need 134 feet of fencing for the 45 ft by 22 ft rectangle.

Repeat for the other rectangle

P = 2(L+W)

P = 2(24+16)

P = 2(40)

P = 80

You need 80 feet of fencing for the 24 ft by 16 ft rectangular lot.

Overall, you need 134+80 = 214 feet of fencing

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Extra info (optional section):

Now if the two lots are touching in some way, then you won't need as much fencing. This is because the two lots will share the bit of fencing between them. This might apply to a portion of one side, or the entire side, of either rectangle. It depends how the lots are laid out.

The assumption that the lots aren't adjacent considers the worst case scenario, aka the situation where you'll need the most fencing (hence the largest cost). This will allow you to prepare for the worst and not be caught off guard. All of this assumes there is no waste, and that there are no gaps or overlaps. If there is expected to be some inefficiency of waste (which is fairly realistic in my opinion) then it's probably a good idea to slightly overshoot this target.

User Niklas Mohrin
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3.1k points