Question 238098
Let X = the length of the rod
Let Y = the length of the leader
Equation 1: {{{Y = X - 2}}}
Equation 2: {{{X * Y = 16}}}

Using equation 1, plug (X - 2) into equation 2 for Y
{{{X * Y = 16}}}
{{{X * (X - 2) = 16}}} Rewrite the equation
{{{X^2 - 2X = 16}}} Subtract 16 form both sides
{{{X^2 - 2X - 16 = 0}}} Then you need to use the quadratic equation
*[invoke quadratic "X", 1 , -2, -16]
Since you can not have a negative length, the 5.123 is the only rational answer.
But remember that 5.123 is the length of the rod.
To find the length of the leader, plug 5.123 into equation 1 for X
Equation 1: {{{Y = X - 2}}}
{{{Y = 5.123 - 2}}}
{{{highlight (Y = 3.123)}}}
The leader = 3.123ft