Question

Word problem involving the area between two rectanglesA rectangular garden measures 21 ft by 36 ft. Surrounding (and bordering) the garden is a path 2 ft wide. Find the area of this path. Be sure to include the correct unit in your answer.

Answer 1

244 feet squared.

Explanation:

A sketch of the garden and the path is shown below:

The dimensions of the outer rectangle is:

• Length = 36+2+2=40 ft

,

• Width = 21+2+2=25 ft

The dimensions of the inner rectangle (garden) are:

• Length = 36 ft

,

• Width = 21 ft

Therefore, the area of the path will be:

`\begin{gathered} \text{Area}=\text{Area of larger rectangle-Area of smaller rectangle} \\ =(40*25)-(36*21) \\ =1000-756 \\ =244\; ft^2 \end{gathered}`

The area of this path is 244 feet squared.