SOLUTION: a square has an area of 64 square inches. if the same amount is added to the length and removed from the width, the resulting rectangle has an area of 55 square inches. find the di

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: a square has an area of 64 square inches. if the same amount is added to the length and removed from the width, the resulting rectangle has an area of 55 square inches. find the di      Log On


   

Question 315938: a square has an area of 64 square inches. if the same amount is added to the length and removed from the width, the resulting rectangle has an area of 55 square inches. find the dimensions of the rectangle. steps on how to do the problem. please.
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let b = the amount in inches added to the length
Let b = the amount in inches subtracted from the width
Let a = the length of the sides of the original square
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given:
a%5E2+=+64 in2
Take the square root of both sides
a+=+8 in
%288+%2B+b%29%2A%288++-+b%29+=+55 in2
64+%2B+8b+-+8b+-+b%5E2+=+55 in2
64+-+b%5E2+=+55
b%5E2+=+64+-+55
b%5E2+=+9
b+=+3
8+%2B+b = length of rectangle
8+%2B+3+=+11
8+-+b = width of rectangle
8+-+3+=+5
The dimensions are 5 x 11 in2