document.write( "Question 1166191: The length of a rectangle is 7 feet longer than it is wide. If each side is increased 7 feet then the area is multiplied by 2. What was the size of the original rectangle? \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #790694 by ikleyn(52786) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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document.write( "Let the width be w feet;\r\n" );
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document.write( "Then the length  is (w+7) feet\r\n" );
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document.write( "The condition says\r\n" );
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document.write( "    (w+7+7)*(w+7) = 2w(w+7).\r\n" );
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document.write( "At this point, do not make FOIL.\r\n" );
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document.write( "Do not create a quadratic equation --- there is a simpler way.\r\n" );
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document.write( "Cancel the common factor (w+7) in both sides.  You will get then\r\n" );
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document.write( "    w + 7 + 7 = 2w\r\n" );
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document.write( "    w + 14    = 2w\r\n" );
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document.write( "    w = 14.\r\n" );
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document.write( "So, the dimensions of the original rectangle are  14 ft (the width)  and  14+7 = 21 ft (the length).\r\n" );
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "You may also think, what the condition means, geometrically.\r
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Thinking in this way, you will be able to solve the entire problem MENTALLY (in your head).\r
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