document.write( "Question 970238: i have a math problem that says to build (draw)a rectangular platform with a perimeter of 74 feet and an area of 340 square feet. how would I make this on paper
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Algebra.Com's Answer #592888 by LinnW(1048)\"\" \"About 
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The first step is the find the length and width of the platform.
\n" ); document.write( "The formula for perimeter is P = 2L + 2W
\n" ); document.write( "The formula for area is A = L * W
\n" ); document.write( "Since perimeter is 74, we have 74 = 2L + 2W
\n" ); document.write( "Since are is 340, we have 340 = L * W
\n" ); document.write( "For one of the two equations above we can solve for W in terms of L
\n" ); document.write( "Lets use 74 = 2L + 2W
\n" ); document.write( "add -2L to eac side
\n" ); document.write( " 74 - 2L = 2W
\n" ); document.write( "dive each side by 2
\n" ); document.write( "(74-2L)/2 = 2W/2
\n" ); document.write( "37-L = W
\n" ); document.write( "Now substitute ( 37-L) for W in 340 = L * W
\n" ); document.write( "340 = L * ( 37-L)
\n" ); document.write( "340 = 37L - L^2
\n" ); document.write( "add -340 to each side
\n" ); document.write( " 0 = -L^2 +37L -340
\n" ); document.write( "multiply each side by -1
\n" ); document.write( "L^2 -37L + 340 = 0
\n" ); document.write( "(L-17)(L-20) = 0
\n" ); document.write( "So L = 17 or L = 20
\n" ); document.write( "Since L is usually the longer dimension lets use L = 20
\n" ); document.write( "Since L*W = 340 we have 20*W = 340 so W = 17
\n" ); document.write( "The dimensions of our rectangle are 20 feet by 17 feet
\n" ); document.write( "The last part will be to draw this to scale.
\n" ); document.write( "If you use a scale of 1/2 inch = 1 foot, we wouls
\n" ); document.write( "want to draw a rectangle of 10 inches by 8.5 inches
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