The perimeter of a rectangle is 46 inches, and the area is 120 square inches. Find the length and width of the rectangle.

1 answer

A = LW 120 = LW or 120/l = W
P = 2L + 2W

46 = 2L + 2(120/L)

multiply through by L

46L = 2L^2 + 240

2L^2 - 46L + 240 = 0

2(L^2 - 23L + 120) = 0

Factor and set each part equal to zero. Omit the negative value for x.

Once you have the Length substitute into the original equation to find Width.