Thread: Setting up application

A rectangular region with a perimeter of 58 feet has a side of length x. Find the dimensions (length and width) of the region if its area is 201.25 square feet. Answer to the nearest tenth of a foot.

I just need help setting the up the equations for this problem. Thanks in advance.

Originally Posted by sideshowww

A rectangular region with a perimeter of 58 feet has a side of length x. Find the dimensions (length and width) of the region if its area is 201.25 square feet. Answer to the nearest tenth of a foot.

I just need help setting the up the equations for this problem. Thanks in advance.

1. Let p denote the perimeter, l the length and w the width of the rectangle.

Then you know:

$\displaystyle p = 58 = 2l+2w$

$\displaystyle area = a = 201.25 =l \cdot w$

2. Solve the the 1st equation for l. Sub in this term into the 2nd equation and solve for w. Consequently determine l.