SOLUTION: A squire picture is mounted in a frame 1 cm wide. The area of the picture is 2/3 of the total area. Find the length of a side of the picture.

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: A squire picture is mounted in a frame 1 cm wide. The area of the picture is 2/3 of the total area. Find the length of a side of the picture.       Log On


   



Question 286995: A squire picture is mounted in a frame 1 cm wide. The area of the picture is 2/3 of the total area. Find the length of a side of the picture.

Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A square picture is mounted in a frame 1 cm wide.
The area of the picture is 2/3 of the total area.
Find the length of a side of the picture
:
Let s = one side of the square picture
and
s^2 = area of picture
then
(s+2) = side including the frame
and
(s+2)^2 = overall area
:
2%2F3(s+2)^2 = s^2
multiply both sides by 3
2(s+2)^2 = 3s^2
FOIL
2(s^2 + 4s + 4) = 3s^2
2s^2 + 8s + 8 = 3s^2
0 = 3s^2 - 2s^2 - 8s - 8
s^2 - 8s - 8 = 0
Use the quadratic formula to solve for s
Positive solution: s ~ 8.9 cm is the side of the picture
:
:
Check this on calc
8.9%5E2%2F10.9%5E2 = .666 ~ 2%2F3