SOLUTION: A square field contains as many square feet as there are feet in the fence enclosing it. Calculate length of field. Area of square = x^2. Not sure how to proceed. Thanks.

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Question 1058781: A square field contains as many square feet as there are feet in the fence enclosing it. Calculate length of field.
Area of square = x^2.
Not sure how to proceed. Thanks.
Non-homework question.

Found 2 solutions by josmiceli, solve_for_x:
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let +x+ = a side of the square in feet
+4x+ = feet of fencing enclosing square
+x%5E2+ = area of field
-------------------------
given:
+4x+=+x%5E2+
+x%5E2+-+4x+=+0+
+x%2A%28+x+-+4+%29+=+0+
+x+=+0+
+x+=+4+
--------------
The only possible answer is the side of
the square field is 4 ft.

Answer by solve_for_x(190) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
"A square field contains as many square feet as there are feet in the fence enclosing it." This means
that the area and the perimeter must be equal.

Let s represent the length of one side of the square field:

Area = s^2

Perimeter = 4s

Setting the area equal to the perimeter gives:

s^2 = 4s

Dividing but sides by s leaves:

s = 4

The length of the field is 4 feet, the total length of the fencing is 16 ft, and the area is 16 sq. ft.