SOLUTION: Introductory Algebra ISBN 0321279212 Chapter 6.7 Solve this application. Quadratic Equations. One side of a rectangular patio is 3 meters longer than the other. If the area of t

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Geometry -> SOLUTION: Introductory Algebra ISBN 0321279212 Chapter 6.7 Solve this application. Quadratic Equations. One side of a rectangular patio is 3 meters longer than the other. If the area of t      Log On

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Question 210395: Introductory Algebra ISBN 0321279212 Chapter 6.7
Solve this application. Quadratic Equations.
One side of a rectangular patio is 3 meters longer than the other. If the area of the patio is 108 square meters, what are the dimensions of the patio?
Answer by tutor_paul(519) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Define the following variables:
L=length of patio
W=width of patio
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You are given this...
Equation #1: L=W%2B3
And this:
Equation #2: LW=108
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You have 2 equations and two unknowns. Anytime you have as many equations as unknowns, you can solve the problem.
Substitute the expression for L from Equation #1 into Equation #2:
W%28W%2B3%29=108
Simplify:
W%5E2%2B3W-108=0
Factors of this polynomial are:
%28W%2B12%29%28W-9%29=0
Solve for W - throw away negative result:
highlight%28W=9%29
Substitute this value of W into Equation #2 to get L. I will leave that part up to you.
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Good Luck,
tutor_paul@yahoo.com