# Thread: Quadratic Equations problem

1. ## Quadratic Equations problem

1. The length of a rectangle is 3 cm less than twice the width. The area is $20cm^2$. Find the dimensions of the rectangle.

Thank you for you help!!

2. I'll just assume you meant "rectangle". You are very welcome. What's your plan for a solution?

I'll get you started:

W = The width of the rectangle. THAT was important. What's next?

3. ## thanks for your help

Originally Posted by TKHunny
I'll just assume you meant "rectangle". You are very welcome. What's your plan for a solution?

I'll get you started:

W = The width of the rectangle. THAT was important. What's next?
OOPS, yes I meant rectangle. Ok well, if W = width, then Length = w - 3

so I am thinking the solution would be $(w)(w-3) = 20$...

4. So close!

Three things:

1) No, that is not a solution, unless you mean a solution to setting it up. That is almost the right equation

2) Read the problem statement again. Just "-3"? Or is there a "2x" in there somewhere?

3) There is a very important point about the right hand side - a point often discarded as a mere formality. It is not a mere formality. It WILL save us. See if you can find it.

5. ## i don't know

Originally Posted by TKHunny
So close!

Three things:

1) No, that is not a solution, unless you mean a solution to setting it up. That is almost the right equation

2) Read the problem statement again. Just "-3"? Or is there a "2x" in there somewhere?

3) There is a very important point about the right hand side - a point often discarded as a mere formality. It is not a mere formality. It WILL save us. See if you can find it.
I dont know how else to do it please just tell me how, I have a quiz tomorrow...

6. Well, if you can't read the problem statement accurately, you're toast.

Maybe you'll still manage to get the right answer without the units, but it will be less likely to occur.

No need to panic. Stop. Take a deep breath. Exhale. Keep breathing, slowly and evenly. Now think about what you are doing. Read the problem statement until you get everything that is hiding in there. If you miss pieces and panic, you are not likely to do well on your quiz.

Good luck. You'll need it. Take more time for honest study and exploration on the next quiz.