Question

The length of a rectangle is 6 inches longer than it is wide. If the area is 160 square inches, what are the dimensions of the rectangle?

Answer 1

The length is 16 inches and the width is 10 inches.

Explanation:

Answer 2

L = 16

w = 10

Explanation:

Givens

Area = 160 sqr inches

width = x

length = x + 6

Equation

Area = L * w

Solution

Substitute in the equation all of the givens.

160 = x(x + 6) Remove the brackets

160 = x^2 + 6x Subtract 160 from both sides.

160-160 = x^2 + 6x - 160

0 = x^2 + 6x - 160

This equation factors. Turn it around first

x^2 + 6x - 160 = 0

(x - 10)(x + 16) = 0

Answer

x (width) = 10

x + 16 = 16