SOLUTION: The width of a rectangle is 6 inches less than the length, and the area is 40 square inches. What are the length and width of the rectangle?

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: The width of a rectangle is 6 inches less than the length, and the area is 40 square inches. What are the length and width of the rectangle?      Log On


   

Question 517066: The width of a rectangle is 6 inches less than the length, and the area is 40 square inches. What are the length and width of the rectangle?
Answer by JBarnum(2146) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
lw=A
w=l-6
A=40
l and w must be positive
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l%28l-6%29=40
l%5E2-6l=40
l%5E2-6l-40=0
find 2 numbers that multiply to get -40 and add to get -6
-10(4)=-40 , -10+4=6 so -10 and 4
%28l-10%29%28l%2B4%29
highlight%28l=10%29 cannot be negative
w=l-6
w=%2810%29-6
highlight%28w=4%29