document.write( "Question 1087935: A rectangular countertop has an area of 15 ft^2. If the width is 3.5 shorter than the length, what are the dimensions of the countertop? \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #702228 by ikleyn(52796) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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\n" ); document.write( "Answer. 6 and 2.5 ft.\r
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document.write( "To solve it MENTALLY, consider rectangle with doubled dimensions.\r\n" );
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document.write( "Then the area is 15*4 = 60 ft^2, and the difference L - W = 7 ft.\r\n" );
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document.write( "Now find (MENTALLY) two factors of 60 that differ in 7 (=2*3.5) ft.\r\n" );
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document.write( "They are 12 and 5.\r\n" );
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document.write( "Now divide 12 and 5 by 2 to return to the original dimensions.\r\n" );
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document.write( "You will get 6 and 2.5.\r\n" );
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Solved (MENTALLY).\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "The alternative way is to solve a quadratic equation with decimal coefficients.\r
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