Question

3. The width of a rectangle is 4 feet less than the length. The area is

12 ft. Find the dimensions of the rectangle.

Answer 1

L = 6, w = 2

Explanation:

Let w = width of rectangle

Let L = length of rectangle

w = L - 4

Area of rectangle = Lw

L (L - 4) = 12

L^2 - 4L = 12

L^2 - 4L - 12 = 0

(L - 6)(L + 2) = 0

L - 6 = 0

L = 6 (the other option doesn't work because dimensions can't be negative)

w = L - 4

w = 6 - 4

w = 2

Double check

A = Lw

A = 6 x 2

A = 12

It matches so we are right.