SOLUTION: Thomas is going to make an open-top box by cutting equal squares from the four corners of an 11 inch by 14 inch sheet of carboard and folding up the sides. If the area of the base

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: Thomas is going to make an open-top box by cutting equal squares from the four corners of an 11 inch by 14 inch sheet of carboard and folding up the sides. If the area of the base       Log On


   



Question 169606: Thomas is going to make an open-top box by cutting equal squares from the four corners of an 11 inch by 14 inch sheet of carboard and folding up the sides. If the area of the base is to be 80 square inches, then what size square should be cut from each corners?
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let x=square size

(11-2x)(14-2x)=80

FOILing __ 154-50x+4x^2=80

subtracting 80 __ 4x^2-50x+74=0

dividing by 2 __ 2x^2-25x+37=0 __ use quadratic eqn to find x




ANSWER BELOW





x=1.72 (approx)