Question

Given that the area of a rectangle can be represented by 5x2-8x-4, write expressions to represent

the length and width of the rectangle. Show all work for credit.

Answer 1

length: 5x + 2

width: x - 2

Explanation:

Factors of 5

1, 5

Factors of 4

1, 4

2, 2

Sign

one positive, one negative

Factor 5x^2 - 8x - 4

(5x + 2)(x - 2) = 5x^2 - 10x + 2x - 4

(5x + 2)(x - 2) = 5x^2 - 8x - 4

Therefor

length: 5x + 2

width: x - 2