SOLUTION: The length of a rectangle is five units less than its width,w. Write an expression that represents the area of the rectangle.

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Question 1018617: The length of a rectangle is five units less than its width,w. Write an expression that represents the area of the rectangle.
Answer by JulietG(1812) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Usually, the length is the larger number, but...
L = W -5
Length * Width = Area
Substitute the known value of L into the equation.
(W-5) * W = Area
w^2 - 5W = area
.
So, for instance, if the width is 10, then
L = 10-5
L = 5
5 * 10 = 50 (area)
which is
W^2 - 5W
10^2 - 5(10)
100 - 50 = 50