SOLUTION: The area of a rug is 48 square feet and the width is 2 feet less than the length, find the width of the carpet. I know the answer is 6 feet. BUT HOW DO YOU GET 6???

 

Hi,



The area of a rug is 48 square feet and the width is 2 feet less than the length, find the width of the carpet.



Let x represent the length and (x-2) represent the width

Question states*****

 x(x-2) = 48 ft^2



Solving for x

x^2 - 2x - 48 = 0

(x+6)(x-8) = 0

(x+6) = 0, x = -6  (throwing out negative solution for unit measure)

(x-8) = 0 , x = 8', the length and the width is 6'   (x-2)

CHECKING our Answer***

( 8')(6') = 48 ft^2