SOLUTION: A carpet of area 240msquared has its length doubled. The width is reduced by 5m. Calculate the original dimensions of the carpet. Assume the two areas are equal.

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: A carpet of area 240msquared has its length doubled. The width is reduced by 5m. Calculate the original dimensions of the carpet. Assume the two areas are equal.      Log On

Ad: You enter your algebra equation or inequality - Algebrator solves it step-by-step while providing clear explanations. Free on-line demo .
Ad: Algebra Solved!™: algebra software solves algebra homework problems with step-by-step help!
Ad: Algebrator™ solves your algebra problems and provides step-by-step explanations!

   

Question 193199: A carpet of area 240msquared has its length doubled. The width is reduced by 5m. Calculate the original dimensions of the carpet. Assume the two areas are equal.
Answer by jonvaliente(64) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let L=original length and W=original width of the carpet.
So:
L*W=240
If we express L in terms of W, we get:
L=240/W
.
If the dimensions were changed then:
2L*(W-5)=240
Substuting the alternate value of L:
2%2A%28240%2FW%29%2A%28W-5%29=240
%28480%2FW%29%2A%28W-5%29=240
480-%282400%2FW%29=240
240-%282400%2FW%29=0
Multiplying both sides by W:
240W-2400=0
240W=2400
W=10
L=240/W=240/10=24
So the original dimensions of the carpet are: 24 meters long and 10 meters wide