Question 179279
7*10=70 in^2
(7+2x)(10+2x)=70+50
70+20x+14x+4x^2=120
4x^2+34x+70-120=0
4x^2+34x-50=0
Using the quadratic equation {{{x = (-b +- sqrt( b^2-4*a*c ))/(2*a) }}} we get
x=(-34+-sqrt[34^2-4*4*-50])/2*4
x=(-34+-sqrt[1156+800])/8
x=(-34+-sqrt1956)/8
x=(-34+-44.23)/8
x=(-34+44.23)/8
x=10.23/8
x=1.278 ans. for the width of the strip.
Proof:
(7+2*1.278)(10+2*1.278)=120
(7+2.556)(10+2.556)=120
9.556*12.556=120
120~120