Question

The width of a rectangle is 18 in less than its length. if the area of the rectangle is 1440 in^2, find the dimensions of the rectangle

Answer 1

Length: L

width: L - 18

Area (A) =L x w

   1440 = L(L - 18)

  1440 = L² - 18L

       0 = L² - 18L - 1440

       0 = ( L + 30)( L - 48)

0 = (L + 30)    0 = (L - 48)

   L = -30         L = 48              

Since length cannot be negative, disregard -30

L = 48

width: L - 18  = 48 - 18  = 30

Answer: width=30 in, length=48 in