SOLUTION: the length of a rectangle is 3 more than the width. If the area of the rectangle is 10 square centimeters, find the dimensions of the rectangle
Question 1164726: the length of a rectangle is 3 more than the width. If the area of the rectangle is 10 square centimeters, find the dimensions of the rectangle Found 2 solutions by greenestamps, solver91311:Answer by greenestamps(13200) (Show Source):
The problem can be solved mentally in a few seconds....
Assuming the problem is for practice using formal algebra....
x = width
x+3 = length (3 more than the width)
Area = length times width = 10:
This is a quadratic equation. Get everything on one side of the equation (".... = 0") and solve by factoring. You will get two answers, only one of which makes sense.
Note: Quadratics have two solutions, but a negative solution for this problem is absurd so if you get an answer that is negative, you should discard it.
John
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it