SOLUTION: five step problem solving process, A rectangular walkway is 18ft longer that it is wide. If the area of the walkway is 88sq ft. Find the length and the width. 18^2 + 88= I'm

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: five step problem solving process, A rectangular walkway is 18ft longer that it is wide. If the area of the walkway is 88sq ft. Find the length and the width. 18^2 + 88= I'm      Log On


   



Question 339134: five step problem solving process,
A rectangular walkway is 18ft longer that it is wide. If the area of the walkway is 88sq ft. Find the length and the width.
18^2 + 88= I'm not sure if i'm going in the right direction, help!

Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Where are your variables?
L-length
W-width
.
.
.
L=W%2B18
.
.
.
The area of a rectangle is,
A=L%2AW=88
Now substitute for L in the area equation.
%28W%2B18%29%2AW=88
W%5E2%2B18W=88
W%5E2%2B18W-88=0
You can factor this quadratic equation.
Then only use the positive solutions for W since W can't be negative.
Once you have W solve for L with the equation from above.