Question

The width and the length of a rectangle are consecutive even integers. If the width is decreased by 3 inches, then the area of the resulting rectangle is 24 square inches. What is the area of the original rectangle?

12 square inches
48 square inches
96 square inches

Answer 1

Consecutive even integers = x, x + 2

(x - 3)(x + 2) = 24 Since width x, was decreased by 3.

If we test x = 6, (6 - 3)(6 + 2) = 3*(8) = 24

So to (x - 3)(x + 2) = 24, x = 6 satisfies it.

The original rectangle = x, x + 2 = 6, 6 + 2 = 6, 8

Original area = 6*8 = 48 square inches

Answer 2

37.......................................