Question

An architect plans to build an extension to​ Meiling's rectangular deck. Let x represent the​ increase, in​ meters, of her​ deck's length. The expression 4.2 left parenthesis x plus 7.3 right parenthesis represents the area of the​ deck, where 4.2 is the width in meters and left parenthesis x plus 7.3 right parenthesis represents the extended length in meters. Use the Distributive Property to write an expression that represents the total area of​ Meiling's new deck.

Answer 1

Use the distributive property: 4.2(x + 7.3) = 4.2x + 4.2·7.3 = 4.2x + 30.66.

So the total area is 4.2x + 30.66 square meters.