The dimensions of a page are 12 in. by 10 in. and it is supposed to contain 80in2 of the printed region. What should the margin be if all the margins are the same?

Question

The dimensions of a page are 12 in. by 10 in. and it is supposed to contain 80in2 of the printed region.  What should the margin be if all the margins are the same?

Ms. Sue · Answer

80 in^2 = 10 in by 8 in. That leaves a margin of 1 inch on all four sides of the printed area.

Steve · Answer

(12-2x)(10-2x) = 80 Solve that for x, or just note that 80 = 10x8, so both dimensions are reduced by 2", making a 1" margin all around.