SOLUTION: In a rectangle,the length is 3/2 times the breadth.If the length is shortened by 3m and the breadth is lengthened by 3m,the rectangle will be a square.calculate the dimensions of t

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Question 855467: In a rectangle,the length is 3/2 times the breadth.If the length is shortened by 3m and the breadth is lengthened by 3m,the rectangle will be a square.calculate the dimensions of the rectangle.
Answer by JulietG(1812) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Here's what we know:
L = 1.5W [In a rectangle,the length is 3/2 times the breadth.]
L - 3 = W + 3 [If the length is shortened by 3m and the breadth is lengthened by 3m,the rectangle will be a square. The key is that it will be a square -- where L and W are equal]
Let's take the value of L from the first equation and plug it into the second.
(1.5W) - 3 = W + 3
Add 3 to each side
1.5W = W + 6
Subtract W from each side
.5W = 6
Multiply each side by 2
W = 12
If W is 12, then L is 18 (1.5W)
.
Let's plug it back in to prove it.
If the length is shortened by 3m and the breadth is lengthened by 3m,the rectangle will be a square.
18-3 = 12+3
15 = 15
Success!