Answer:
The sides of the pigpen are 3 by 17
Explanation:
Perimeter of pigpen => 2x + 2y = 40
Area of pigpen => xy = 51 (this is assuming x = length, and y = width)
Let's isolate "y" for the first equation;
2x + 2y = 40
2(x + y) = 40
x + y = 20
y = 20 - x
xy = x(20 - x) = 51 = 51
20x - x^2 = 51
x^2 - 20x + 51 = 0
According to the quadratic equation =>
x = ( - (- 20) + √(- 20)^2 - 4 * 1 * 50 ) / 2 * 1 = 17
x = ( - (- 20) - √(- 20)^2 - 4 * 1 * 50 ) / 2 * 1 = 3
The dimensions of the pigpen are actually 17 by 3
Proof: 17(3)= 51, 2(17) + 2(3) = 40