OMG!!! The HORROR of word problems!!!

K

Kstrikeoutgirl

New member
Joined
Sep 19, 2005
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Okay, this is using factoring to solve word problems... so here it goes!

Find the dimensions of a rectangle whose perimeter is 46 m and whose area is
126 m squared. *(Hint: Let the width be w. Use the perimeter to find the lengths in terms of w.)

*This is the part that I really don't understand.



Thanks to whoever tries!!! :D
 
problem

Well, we know that 2w+2L = 46, and wL = 126.
So, divide the first equation by 2 on both sides, giving you w+L=23, or L=23-w.
Now substitute that in L in 2nd equation, giving you w(23-w) = 126.
Now, after you mutliply that out, i think you can use quadtratic formula to solve!
 
When I multiplied w(23-w), I got this far:

w^2-23=126
w^2-23-126=0
So then what comes next????!!!!???????
 
w(23-w) = 126

Well, its actually 23w-w^2=126, or, w^2-23w+126=0.
Now, have you ever heard of the quadtratic formula?
Look it up, then you can solve the problem.
 
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