SOLUTION: A rectangle is 5 cm longer than it is wide. If the length and breadth are increased by 2 cm each, the area increases by 50 cm squared. Find the dimensions of the original rectangle

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: A rectangle is 5 cm longer than it is wide. If the length and breadth are increased by 2 cm each, the area increases by 50 cm squared. Find the dimensions of the original rectangle      Log On


   

Question 616505: A rectangle is 5 cm longer than it is wide. If the length and breadth are increased by 2 cm each, the area increases by 50 cm squared. Find the dimensions of the original rectangle.
I've got a diagram of the two rectangles with the breadth as 'x' and the length as 'x + 5' in the original and then on the second one's breadth as 'x + 2' and the length as 'x + 7' but I just don't know how to put it into an equation because it is under simultaneous equations and I'm completely confused because usually you have what it equals to work it out.
Answer by lwsshak3(11628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A rectangle is 5 cm longer than it is wide. If the length and breadth are increased by 2 cm each, the area increases by 50 cm squared. Find the dimensions of the original rectangle.
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let x=width of original rectangle
x+5=length of original rectangle
area of original rectangle=x(x+5)=x^2+5x
..
x+2=width of larger rectangle
x+5+2=length of larger rectangle
area of larger rectangle=(x+2)(x+7)=x^2+9x+14
..
Area of larger rectangle-area of original rectangle=50
x^2+9x+14-x^2-5x=50
4x=36
x=9
x+5=14
..
width of original rectangle=9 cm
length of original rectangle=14 cm