SOLUTION: The width of a rectangle is 4ft less than the length. The area is 12ft^2. Find the length and the width.

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Question 330282: The width of a rectangle is 4ft less than the length. The area is 12ft^2. Find the length and the width.
Answer by privani(34) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Assuming length = a, and width = b = a-4.
Area = a*b = 12
a%2A%28a-4%29+=+12
a%5E2+-+4a+=+12
a%5E2+-+4a+-+12+=+0
%28a%2B2%29%28a-6%29+=+0
a + 2 = 0
a = -2; not impossible.
a - 6 = 0
a = 6
If a = 6, then
a*b = 12
6b = 12
b = 12/6 = 2
Hence, length = 6 feet and width = 2 feet.