Question

The width of a rectangle is the sum of the length and 1. The area of the rectangle is 20 units. What is the width, in units, of the rectangle?

Answer 1

W=5

Explanation:

W=Width=Length + 1

L = Length

Area = Length * Width = 20

Area = L * W = L * (L+1) = 20

Distribute the L: L^2 + L = 20

Subtract 20 from both sides: L^2 + L -20 = 20-20

Simplify: L^2+L-20=0

Factor (L-4)(L+5)=0

Solve using the zero property: L-4=0, L=4 L+5=0, L=-5

The two options for length are 4 and -5. Only 4 will work for L since it cannot be negative. Width is Length + 1 = 5