SOLUTION: Word Problem: The table used for table tennis is 4 ft longer than it is wide and has a area of 45 ft^2. What are the dimensions of the table?

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: Word Problem: The table used for table tennis is 4 ft longer than it is wide and has a area of 45 ft^2. What are the dimensions of the table?       Log On


   

Question 1936: Word Problem:
The table used for table tennis is 4 ft longer than it is wide and has a area of 45 ft^2. What are the dimensions of the table?
Answer by usyim88hk(158) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let the shoeter side be x
x*(x+4) = 45
x^2 + 4x = 45
x^2 + 4x - 45 = 0
Now we can use the qyradratic formula
x=%28-4%2B-sqrt%284%5E2-4%281%29%28-45%29%29%29%2F%282%281%29%29
x=%28-4%2B-sqrt%28196%29%29%2F2
x=%28-4%2B-14%29%2F2
x = -18/2 or 10/2
x = -9 or 5
Since length of anyhting can not be a negative number, 5 is the length of the short side and 5+4 = 9 will be the longer length of the table
The dimension of the table tennis table is 5ft*9ft