SOLUTION: the length of a plot is 5 meters longer than the width. the area of the plot of land is 500 square meters. what is the length in meters of the plot of land?

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: the length of a plot is 5 meters longer than the width. the area of the plot of land is 500 square meters. what is the length in meters of the plot of land?      Log On


   

Question 389215: the length of a plot is 5 meters longer than the width. the area of the plot of land is 500 square meters. what is the length in meters of the plot of land?
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Hi,   the length of a plot is 5 meters longer than the width      

Let x  and (x+5m) represent the width and length respectively

  Area = width*length 

Question states*** 

  x(x+5m) = 500 m^2

 Solving for x

  x^2 + 5x - 500 = 0

factoring

(x+25)(x-20)= 0 Note:SUM of the inner product(25x) and the outer product(-20x) = 5x

(x+25)= 0

  x =-25  tossing out negative solution for the number of meters

 (x-20)= 0

x = 20m, the width.  Length is 25m    (20m + 5m)



CHECKING our Answer

 20m*25m = 500 m^2