SOLUTION: I really need help trying to figure this out. I don't want an answer I just need help trying to get started. The problem is: "A rectangular plot is 1 meter longer that it is wide

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: I really need help trying to figure this out. I don't want an answer I just need help trying to get started. The problem is: "A rectangular plot is 1 meter longer that it is wide      Log On


   



Question 359034: I really need help trying to figure this out. I don't want an answer I just need help trying to get started. The problem is:
"A rectangular plot is 1 meter longer that it is wide. The area of the plot is 72 square meters. Using the formula A=lw, find the length and width of the plot. Let w= the width of the plot."
I need help figuring out what A=lw means and esactly how to approach or start this math problem. I am usually pretty good at this, but for some reason my mind is stumped.

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
"A rectangular plot is 1 meter longer that it is wide. The area of the plot is 72 square meters. Using the formula A=lw, find the length and width of the plot.
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Let w be the width of the plot.
Then w+1 is the length of the plot.
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Area = length*width
72 = (w+1)w
72 = w^2 + w
w^2 + w - 72 = 0
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Factor:
(w+9)(w-8) = 0
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Positive solution:
w = 8 meters (width)
w+1 = 9 meters (length)
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Cheers,
Stan H.