SOLUTION: This is a word problem that I was given and am having grief solving. You have a carpet that measures 12' x 3' and you need to carpet an hallway that measures 9' x 4'. WITHOUT

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: This is a word problem that I was given and am having grief solving. You have a carpet that measures 12' x 3' and you need to carpet an hallway that measures 9' x 4'. WITHOUT      Log On


   

Question 98103: This is a word problem that I was given and am having grief solving.

You have a carpet that measures 12' x 3' and you need to carpet an hallway that measures 9' x 4'. WITHOUT folding the carpet, how can you carpet the area with only making ONE cut.

The point is to be able to cover a 9 x 4 rectangle using a 12' x 3' rectangle that is cut once, not folded.
Answer by checkley71(8403) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Draw a diagram of a 12 by 3 rectangle with the 12 foot side the length left to right..
Starting @ the upper right corner measure 3 feet to the left & cut the rug 1 foot down. Now cut 3 feet to the left & then 1 foot down another 3 feet to the left & down the final foot.
Now move the left piece up one foot & 3 feet to the right.
You now have a 9 by 4 rug.
Using graph paper it looks simple to do.