Question 1108943
.
<pre>
Let x be the width under the question.


Then the outer dimensions are 9+2x and 8+2x.


The condition says


(9+2x)*(8+2x) - 9*8 = 124    (the difference of the two areas is 124 square inches)


16x + 18x  + 4x^2 = 124

34x + 4x^2 = 124

2x^2 + 17x - 62 = 0


{{{x[1,2]}}} = {{{(-17 +- sqrt(17^2 + 4*2*62))/(2*2)}}} = {{{(-17 +- 28.02)/4}}}.


The only positive root makes sense  x = 2.75 (approximately).


<U>Answer</U>.  2.75 inches.
</pre>

---------------
To see other similar solved problems, look into the lessons

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/Surface-area/Problems-on-the-area-of-a-rectangle-surrounded-by-a-strip.lesson>Problems on the area and the dimensions of a rectangle surrounded by a strip</A>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/Surface-area/Circular-pool-and-a-walkway-around.lesson>Problems on a circular pool and a walkway around it</A>

in this site.


Also, &nbsp;you have this free of charge online textbook in ALGEBRA-I in this site

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/quadratic/lessons/ALGEBRA-I-YOUR-ONLINE-TEXTBOOK.lesson>ALGEBRA-I - YOUR ONLINE TEXTBOOK</A>.


The referred lesson is the part of this online textbook under the topic 
"<U>Dimensions and the area of rectangles and circles and their elements</U>".


Save the link to this online textbook together with its description


Free of charge online textbook in ALGEBRA-I
https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/quadratic/lessons/ALGEBRA-I-YOUR-ONLINE-TEXTBOOK.lesson


to your archive and use it when it is needed.



--------------
<U>Comment from student</U>: Thank you for the help. I have a question though. Wouldn't -62 be put into the quadratic formula as 17^2-4(2)(-62)?
--------------



<U>My response</U>:  17^2-4(2)(-62) = 17^2 + 4*2*62.