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| Question 200551This question is from textbook Intermediate Algebra An Applied Approach
 :  The state of Colorado is almost perfectly rectangular, with its north border 111 mi longer than its west border. If the state encompasses 104,000 mi^2, estimate the dimensions of Colorado. Round to the nearest mile. 
This question is from textbook Intermediate Algebra An Applied Approach
 
 Answer by RAY100(1637)
      (Show Source): 
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Area  =  Length * Width .
 104,000 = (w+111) * (w)= w^2 +111w
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 w^2 +111w -104,000 =0
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 Use  quadratic  eqn  to  solve
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 a=(1),,,,b=(111),,,,,c= (-104,000)
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 w= [ -(111) +/- sqrt { (111)^2 - 4 (1) (-104,000) }  ] / 2 (1)
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 w = [-111 +/- sqrt 428,321 ] /2
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 w = [-111 +/-  654.642 ] /2
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 w= 271.73  ,,,,,or  - 382.73  (  not  realistic)
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 Dimensions  are  ,,,w= 271.73,,,and  L= 271.73 +111 = 382.73
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 check,,,A= 271.73 * 382.73 = 104,000,,,ok
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