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

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Geometry -> 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      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



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) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


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:

x%28x%2B3%29+=+10
x%5E2%2B3x+=+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.


Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!








Solve for and the calculate

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