| Step 1. Read the problem. In problems involving geometric figures, a sketch can help you visualize the situation. |
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| Step 2. Identify what you are looking for. |
We are looking for the length and width. |
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| Step 3. Name what you are looking for. The length is two feet more than width. |
Let W = the width of the garden. W + 2 = the length of the garden |
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| Step 4. Translate into an equation. Restate the important information in a sentence. |
The area of the rectangular garden is 15 square feet. |
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| Use the formula for the area of a rectangle. |
A=L⋅W |
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| Substitute in the variables. |
15=(W+2)W |
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| Step 5. Solve the equation. Distribute first. |
15=W2+2W |
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| Get zero on one side. |
0=W2+2W−15 |
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| Factor the trinomial. |
0=(W+5)(W−3) |
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| Use the Zero Product Property. |
0=W+5 |
0=W−3 |
| Solve each equation. |
−5=W |
3=W |
| Since W is the width of the garden, it does not make sense for it to be negative. We eliminate that value for W. |
−5=W W=3 |
3=W Width is 3 feet. |
| Find the value of the length. |
W+2=length |
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3+2 |
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5 |
Length is 5 feet. |
| Step 6. Check the answer. Does the answer make sense? |
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Yes, this makes sense. |
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| Step 7. Answer the question. |
The width of the garden is 3 feet and the length is 5 feet. |
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