# word problem help

• September 10th 2008, 04:30 AM
hana_102
word problem help
The length of a rectangle exceeds its breadth by 4cm. If the length were halved and the breath decreased by 55cm. find the length of the rectangle.

the equation i came up with is $\frac{x+4}{2} (x-5) = (x+4)(x) - 55$

is this right? if it is than i just need to solve for x. But I am unsure weather my equation is correct.
• September 10th 2008, 04:45 AM
mr fantastic
Quote:

Originally Posted by hana_102
The length of a rectangle exceeds its breadth by 4cm. If the length were halved and the breath decreased by 55cm. find the length of the rectangle.

the equation i came up with is $\frac{x+4}{2} (x-5) = (x+4)(x) - 55$

is this right? if it is than i just need to solve for x. But I am unsure weather my equation is correct.

More information is needed. Is there meant to be a relationship between the two rectangles that you've forgotten to include?
• September 10th 2008, 04:49 AM
hana_102
Quote:

Originally Posted by mr fantastic
More information is needed. Is there meant to be a relationship between the two rectangles that you've forgotten to include?

nope. its talking about the same rectangle surely?
• September 10th 2008, 04:53 AM
hana_102
oh sorry i realized i wrote the question out incorrectly.!

"the length of a rectangle exceeds its breadth by 4cm. if the length were halved and the breadth decreased by 5cm the area would be decreased by 55 square cm . find the length of the rectangle,
• September 10th 2008, 04:58 AM
mr fantastic
Quote:

Originally Posted by hana_102
The length of a rectangle exceeds its breadth by 4cm. If the length were halved and the breath decreased by 55cm. find the length of the rectangle.

the equation i came up with is $\frac{x+4}{2} (x-5) = (x+4)(x) - 55$

is this right? if it is than i just need to solve for x. But I am unsure weather my equation is correct.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hana_102
oh sorry i realized i wrote the question out incorrectly.!

"the length of a rectangle exceeds its breadth by 4cm. if the length were halved and the breadth decreased by 5cm the area would be decreased by 55 square cm . find the length of the rectangle,

Your equation is correct. Now all you have to do is solve it. I suggest first multiplying both sides by 2 to get rid of the fraction:

(x + 4)(x - 5) = 2x(x + 4) - 110