Question 205648
 If the new width is half of the old width and the new length is 4 feet less
 than twice the old width, the garden will be 24 square feet. 
Find the old width. 
:
Let x = the old width
then
.5x = the new width
;
"new length is 4 feet less than twice the old width,"
(2x - 4) = new length
:
Area = length * width
.5x(2x-4) = 24
:
x^2 - 2x = 24
:
x^2 - 2x - 24 = 0
;
Factors to
(x-6)(x+4) = 0
:
the positive solution is what we want here
;
x = 6 ft; is the old width
;
:
Check solution:
New width = .5(6) = 3 ft
New length = 2(6) - 4 = 8 ft
Area: 3 * 8 = 24 sq/ft

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