SOLUTION: A rain gutter is made from sheets of aluminum that are 17 inches wide. As shown in the​ figure, the edges are turned up to form right angles. Determine the depth of the gutte

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Question 1048929: A rain gutter is made from sheets of aluminum that are 17 inches wide. As shown in the​ figure, the edges are turned up to form right angles. Determine the depth of the gutter that will allow a​ cross-sectional area of 18 square inches. Show that there are two different solutions to the problem. Round to the nearest tenth of an inch.
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A rain gutter is made from sheets of aluminum that are 17 inches wide.
As shown in the​ figure, the edges are turned up to form right angles.
Determine the depth of the gutter that will allow a​ cross-sectional area of 18 square inches.
Show that there are two different solutions to the problem.
Round to the nearest tenth of an inch.
:
The end of the gutter can be illustrated like this
d|_w_|d
where
d = the depth of the gutter
w = the width
:
then
2d + w = 17 in
w = -2d + 17
and
d * w = 18 sq/in
replace w with (-2d+17)
d(-2d+17) = 18
-2d^2 + 17d = 18
A quadratic equation
-2d^2 + 17d - 18 = 0
Using the quadratic formula, a=-2; b=17 c=-18
Two solutions
d = 7.3" then w = -2(7.3)+17 = 2.4" is the width
and
d = 1.2" then w = -2(1.2)+17 = 14.6" is the width
:
;
Check these by finding the area
7.3*2.4 = 17.52 sq/in, Not 18 because of rounding to the nearest 10th
1.2*14.6 = 17.52

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