The playing surface in the game of curling is a rectangular sheet of ice with an area of about 225 m^2. The width is about 40m less than the length. Find the approximate dimensions of the playing surface.

How would i solve this?

2 answers

Length = L meters.
Width = (L-40) Meters.

L * (L-40) = 225m^2,
L^2 - 40L = 225,
L^2 - 40L - 225 = 0,
(L-5)(L+45) = 0,
Length = L meters.
Width = (L-40) Meters.

L * (L-40) = 225m^2,
L^2 - 40L = 225,
L^2 - 40L - 225 = 0,
(L+5)(L-45) = 0,

L+5 = 0,
L = -5.

L-45 = 0,
L=45.
Choose positive value of L:
L = 45m = Length.

Width = L-40 = 45-40 = 5m.