SOLUTION: the width of a rectangle is half as long as the length. the rectangle has an area of 128square feet. what are length and width of the rectangle? i just dont understand the question

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: the width of a rectangle is half as long as the length. the rectangle has an area of 128square feet. what are length and width of the rectangle? i just dont understand the question      Log On


   

Question 294407: the width of a rectangle is half as long as the length. the rectangle has an area of 128square feet. what are length and width of the rectangle? i just dont understand the question can u please help!
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let L be the length and W be the width.
"the width of a rectangle is half as long as the length"
W=%281%2F2%29L
"the rectangle has an area of 128square feet"
A=L%2AW=128
but from above
W=%281%2F2%29L
Substitute,
L%2AW=128
L%2A%281%2F2%29L=128
L%5E2%2F2=128
L%5E2=256
L=16
Then
W=%281%2F2%29L=%281%2F2%29%2816%29=8
The rectangle is 8' x 16'.