SOLUTION: I am not sure how to do this type of problem :( The area of a rectangle is 108 cm squared. The ratio of the width to the length is 2:5. Find the length and width.

Algebra ->  Percentage-and-ratio-word-problems -> SOLUTION: I am not sure how to do this type of problem :( The area of a rectangle is 108 cm squared. The ratio of the width to the length is 2:5. Find the length and width.      Log On


   

Question 178017: I am not sure how to do this type of problem :( The area of a rectangle is 108 cm squared. The ratio of the width to the length is 2:5. Find the length and width.
Answer by HyperBrain(694) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x=length
y=width
Area is 108 cm2
xy=108

Since the ratio of width to length is 2:5,
Let x=5a
y=2a
Then
xy=(2a)(5a)=10a2=108
a2=10.8
a=3.286 approx.
So,
x=5a=16.43 cm
y=2a=6.572 cm
Power up,
HyperBrain!

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