SOLUTION: The dimensions of a rectangle are such that its lenghth is 3 in. more than its width. If the length were doubled and if the width were decreased by 1 in., the area would be increa

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Misc -> SOLUTION: The dimensions of a rectangle are such that its lenghth is 3 in. more than its width. If the length were doubled and if the width were decreased by 1 in., the area would be increa      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



Question 400513: The dimensions of a rectangle are such that its lenghth is 3 in. more than its width. If the length were doubled and if the width were decreased by 1 in., the area would be increased by 204 in.^2. What are the length and width of the rectangle?
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Let represent the original width. Then the original length is represented by . The area of the original rectangle is then:



Doubling the length gives us and decreasing the width by 1 gives us , so the new area, which is is:



Multiplying the first equation by -1 and then adding it to the second equation gives:



or, in standard form:



Factor and solve for , then

John

My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
The Out Campaign: Scarlet Letter of Atheism