Question 987351
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Let &nbsp;<B>w</B>&nbsp; be the width of the parking lot in yards. 


Then its length is &nbsp;w+8&nbsp; yards, &nbsp;according to the condition.


The condition says that


w*(w+8) = 240.


Solve it:


{{{w^2}}} + {{{8w}}} = {{{240}}},


{{{w^2}}} + {{{8w}}} - {{{240}}} = {{{0}}}.


Use the quadratic formula:


{{{x[1,2]}}} = {{{(-8 +- sqrt(64 + 4*240))/2}}} = {{{(-8 +- sqrt(1024))/2}}} = {{{(-8 +- 32)/2}}} = -20 &nbsp;<B>OR</B>&nbsp; 12.


The positive root only fits the condition &nbsp;(the measure should be positive). 


So, &nbsp;the width is 12 yards. 


The length is &nbsp;12 + 8 = 20 yards.