SOLUTION: The width of a rectangle is 5 meters less than the length. The area is 36 square meters.

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: The width of a rectangle is 5 meters less than the length. The area is 36 square meters.      Log On


   

Question 869242: The width of a rectangle is 5 meters less than the length. The area is 36 square meters.
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x = length
x-5 = width (since "The width of a rectangle is 5 meters less than the length")


Length * Width = Area
x*(x-5) = 36
x^2 - 5x = 36
x^2 - 5x - 36 = 0


So your goal is to solve x^2 - 5x - 36 = 0 for x (either factor, complete the square, or use the quadratic formula). Keep in mind that x is positive.