SOLUTION: one of the sides of a rectangle is 3 meters shorter than the other one. Find the side of the rectangle if we know that if we increase every side with one meter the surface of the r

Algebra ->  Surface-area -> SOLUTION: one of the sides of a rectangle is 3 meters shorter than the other one. Find the side of the rectangle if we know that if we increase every side with one meter the surface of the r      Log On


   

Question 981528: one of the sides of a rectangle is 3 meters shorter than the other one. Find the side of the rectangle if we know that if we increase every side with one meter the surface of the rectangle will be increased with an 18m^2.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x and y the side lengths.
x=y-3, as described.
Initial area, xy.

Next part of description,
%28x%2B1%29%28y%2B1%29=xy%2B18
xy%2Bx%2By%2B1=xy%2B18
x%2By%2B1=18
substitute for x from the description,
%28y-3%29%2By%2B1=18
2y-3%2B1=18
..
highlight%28y=10%29
and then
highlight%28x=7%29.