Question

Community planners are planning to build a new community garden. They agree that the garden will be rectangular in shape, but the proposed dimensions changed. At the most recent meeting, it was determined that the length would remain at 15.8 yards but that the width would increase by 5.2 yards. So, the garden would now cover an area of 327.65 square yards.

Which equation can be used to determine the original width of the garden, w?
1: 327.65 = 5.2 (w + 15.8)
2: 327.65 = 15.8(w +5.2)
3: 327.65 = 2 (w +21)​

Answer 1

2)

Explanation:

To find the original width, multiply 15.8 by w, and by 5.2.

You'll get 327.65 = 15.8w + 82.16.

Next, do the opposite of the symbol from both sides, 327.65 - 82.16 = 15.8w + 82.16.

The constant is 82.16, and the symbol is +, the opposite of plus is -, and thus subtract the constant from both sides.

You'll get 245.49 = 15.8w.

Now do the opposite of the symbol (a number next to a variable is multiplication, so do division, and divide 15.8 on both sides.

245.49/15.8 = 15.8w/15.8, which equals 15.5373417722.