SOLUTION: The length of a rectangle is 7 inches less than 3 times the width. If the area of the rectangle is 40 square inches, find the dimensions.

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Question 435760: The length of a rectangle is 7 inches less than 3 times the width. If the area of the rectangle is 40 square inches, find the dimensions.
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Hi

The length of a rectangle is 7 inches less than 3 times the width

Let x and (3x-7)represent the width and length respectively

Question states***

  x(3x-7) = 40in^2

   3x^2 -7x - 40 = 0

factoring

  (3x +8)(x-5)=0 Note:SUM of the outside terms(-15x) and the inside terms(8x) = -7x

  (3x +8)=0  |tossing out negative solution for length

   (x-5)=0  x = 5", the width.  the length is 8"   (3*5"-7")