Finding lengths of side for a known area

[Larr]

A rectangle 2400 cm2 the one side is 1 1/2 times the length of the other

 

[JeffM]

A rectangle 2400 cm2 the one side is 1 1/2 times the length of the other

Is the problem to find the length of the sides of a rectangle, given that the area is 2400 square centimeters and the length of one side is 1.5 times the length of the other?

Have you identified and named the relevant variables? That is ALWAYS the first thing to do in a word problem

What is the relationship between the lengths of a rectangle's sides and its area? How would you express that using your variables.

By the way, what topic are you currently studying? It helps us to know the context of your problem.

 

[Larr]

Is the problem to find the length of the sides of a rectangle, given that the area is 2400 square centimeters and the length of one side is 1.5 times the length of the other?

Have you identified and named the relevant variables? That is ALWAYS the first thing to do in a word problem

What is the relationship between the lengths of a rectangle's sides and its area? How would you express that using your variables.

By the way, what topic are you currently studying? It helps us to know the context of your problem.

Just starting algebra not sure what I have to do to answer this questio

 

[JeffM]

Just starting algebra not sure what I have to do to answer this questio

By just starting, do you mean you have not learned how to solve even a linear equation? If so, this question is too hard for you.

 

[Larr]

I've had some before just not remembering what to do drawing a mental blank

 

[JeffM]

I've had some before just not remembering what to do drawing a mental blank

OK First thing to do in a word problem ALWAYS is to identify the relevant unknowns and to WRITE down an assignment of a letter for each unknown.

S = the length of shorter side of the rectangle

L = the length of the longer side of the rectangle

The second thing to do is, using your letters, WRITE down what you know as pertinent general information and as information specific to your problem. If you do this, you may at least get partial credit for an answer on a test. In any case, it gives you something to look at instead of listening to your mind whirl.

So write down two things using L and S that you should be able to figure out concerning this problem.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Continuing: With S as the shorter side and L as the longer side, "and the length of one side is 1.5 times the length of the other" gives you what equation?

With the same S and L, "area 2400 square centimeters" gives what equation?