<PRE><B>Question 970238</B>
The first step is the find the length and width of the platform.
The formula for perimeter is P = 2L + 2W
The formula for area is A = L * W
Since perimeter is 74, we have 74 = 2L + 2W
Since are is 340, we have 340 = L * W
For one of the two equations above we can solve for W in terms of L
Lets use 74 = 2L + 2W
add -2L to eac side
 74 - 2L = 2W
dive each side by 2
(74-2L)/2 = 2W/2
37-L = W
Now substitute ( 37-L) for W in 340 = L * W
340 = L * ( 37-L)
340 = 37L - L^2
add -340 to each side
 0 = -L^2 +37L -340
multiply each side by -1
L^2 -37L + 340 = 0
(L-17)(L-20) = 0
So L = 17 or L = 20
Since L is usually the longer dimension lets use L = 20
Since L*W = 340 we have 20*W = 340 so W = 17
The dimensions of our rectangle are 20 feet by 17 feet
The last part will be to draw this to scale.
If you use a scale of 1/2 inch = 1 foot, we wouls
want to draw a rectangle of 10 inches by 8.5 inches
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