SOLUTION: A rectangle has an area given by A = x2 + 5x + 6 Find an expression for the possible width of the rectangle.

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: A rectangle has an area given by A = x2 + 5x + 6 Find an expression for the possible width of the rectangle.      Log On


   

Question 388204: A rectangle has an area given by A = x2 + 5x + 6
Find an expression for the possible width of the rectangle.
Answer by aggie_tutor(13) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x%5E2+%2B+5x+%2B+6
Quadratic equation can be factored. "Factor the square."
6 is the one to look at. 6 = 3 x 2 and 3 + 2 = 5
(check the sign in front of 5, it's positive not negative)
Try it out:
%28x%2B3%29%28x%2B2%29+=+x%5E2+%2B+3x+%2B+2x+%2B+6+=+x%5E2+%2B+5x+%2B+6+
The rectangle has one side x+3, the other side x+2. Either one would be okay, depending on your frame of reference.