SOLUTION: Model each problem with a quadratic equation. Then Solve. The area of a triangular sail on a sailboat is 300ft squared. The ratioof the base of the sail to its height is 2:3.

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: Model each problem with a quadratic equation. Then Solve. The area of a triangular sail on a sailboat is 300ft squared. The ratioof the base of the sail to its height is 2:3.       Log On


   

Question 1407: Model each problem with a quadratic equation. Then Solve.

The area of a triangular sail on a sailboat is 300ft squared. The ratioof the base of the sail to its height is 2:3. Find the dimensions of the sail.
Answer by khwang(438) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let the height of the sail is x,
since base : = 2:3, so base = 2x/3,
Area = 1/2* base * height = 1/2* (2x/3) * x = x^2/3 = 300,
so x^2 = 900, x = 30 ft
and base = 2/3* 30 = 20 ft