Question

A ribbon with straight edges has an area of 24 square inches . Its width is x and its length is 2x+13. What is the width of the ribbon in inches. (Solve by completing the square)

Answer 1

Width is 1.5

Explanation:

width: x

length: 2x + 13

Area = Length * Width

24 = (2x + 13)x

24 = 2x² + 13x

2x² + 13x - 24 = 0

(x + 8)(2x - 3) = 0

x + 8 = 0

x = -8 width cannot be negative so discard this value

2x - 3 = 0

2x = 3

x = 1.5

width: x = 1.5

length: 2x + 13 = 2(1.5) + 13 = 16