SOLUTION: The width of a rectangle is 3 ft. less than the length. The area is 4 ft^2. Find the length and the width. For some reason I cannot figure this out and I need it for a test can

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations -> SOLUTION: The width of a rectangle is 3 ft. less than the length. The area is 4 ft^2. Find the length and the width. For some reason I cannot figure this out and I need it for a test can      Log On

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Question 635050: The width of a rectangle is 3 ft. less than the length. The area is 4 ft^2. Find the length and the width.
For some reason I cannot figure this out and I need it for a test can anyone help quickly
Answer by Maths68(1474) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Length =L
Width=W=L-3
Area=A=4ft^2
Area= Length*Width
A=L*W
4=%28L%29%28L-3%29
4=L%5E2-3L
L%5E2-3L-4=0
Solve for L
L%5E2-4L%2BL-4=0
L%28L-4%29%2B1%28L-4%29=0
%28L-4%29%28L%2B1%29=0
L-4=0 OR L%2B1=0
L=4 OR L=-1 (unacceptable)
so L=4
Length =L = 4 ft
Width=W=L-3 = 4-3 = 1ft