<PRE><B>Question 282144</B>
First we will find the dimensions of the piece removed.

The formula for the area of a rectangle is:
L * W = 24
L = W + 2&lt;br&gt;
Substitue the &lt;b&gt;value&lt;/b&gt; of L for L
(W + 2) * W = 24&lt;br&gt;
Expand:
W^2 + 2W = 24&lt;br&gt;
Subtract 24 from each side:
W^2 + 2W - 24 = 24 - 24&lt;br&gt;
Solve the quadratic equation:
W^2 + 2W - 24 = 0&lt;br&gt;
*[invoke quadratic &quot;w&quot;, 1, 2, -24]

Since -6 isn&#39;t a reasonable answer considering our problem, the &lt;b&gt;width&lt;/b&gt; of the &lt;b&gt;inner rectangle&lt;/b&gt; is 4&quot; and the length is 6&quot;.
W = 4, L = 6&lt;br&gt;
Since there was 1&quot; margin on &lt;b&gt;all four sides&lt;/b&gt; we add 2&quot; to W and L to get the dimensions of the matting
W + 2 = 6, L + 2 = 8.&lt;br&gt;
The overall dimensions of the matting are 6&quot; wide by 8&quot; long  and bob&#39;s your uncle!
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