Chapter 10: Problem 47
A rectangle has an area of 180 \(\mathrm{cm}^{2}\) and a perimeter of 54 \(\mathrm{cm} .\) What are its dimensions?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The rectangle's dimensions are 12 cm by 15 cm.
Step by step solution
01
Introduction to the Problem
We are given a rectangle with an area of 180 cm² and a perimeter of 54 cm. Our goal is to find its dimensions, which consist of the length (\(l\)) and width (\(w\)).
02
Understanding Formulas
We know two key formulas: the area of a rectangle is \(A = l \times w\) and the perimeter is \(P = 2(l + w)\). We will use these formulas to set up two equations based on the given values.
03
Setting Up Equations
Based on the given area, \(l \times w = 180\). For the perimeter, we have \(2(l + w) = 54\), which simplifies to \(l + w = 27\). Now we have two equations: \(l \times w = 180\) and \(l + w = 27\).
04
Express One Variable in Terms of the Other
From the second equation, \(l + w = 27\), we can express \(l\) in terms of \(w\) as \(l = 27 - w\).
05
Substitute into the Area Equation
Substitute \(l = 27 - w\) into the area equation \(l \times w = 180\). This gives us \((27 - w) \times w = 180\).
06
Simplify and Solve the Quadratic Equation
Expand the equation to get \(27w - w^2 = 180\), which can be rearranged to \(-w^2 + 27w - 180 = 0\). Multiply the entire equation by -1 to simplify: \(w^2 - 27w + 180 = 0\).
07
Factoring the Quadratic Equation
Factor the quadratic equation \(w^2 - 27w + 180 = 0\). The factors are \((w - 12)(w - 15) = 0\).
08
Finding the Width
Set each factor equal to zero to find potential solutions for \(w\): \(w - 12 = 0\) and \(w - 15 = 0\). Solving these gives \(w = 12\) and \(w = 15\).
09
Finding Corresponding Lengths
For \(w = 12\), using \(l = 27 - w\), we find \(l = 27 - 12 = 15\). For \(w = 15\), similarly, \(l = 12\). Thus, the dimensions of the rectangle are 12 cm by 15 cm.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Area of a Rectangle
The area of a rectangle is a measure of the space contained within its boundaries. To calculate it, you multiply the length (\(l\) ) by the width (\(w\) ). The formula for the area (\(A\) ) is:
- \(A = l \times w\)
- \(l = \frac{A}{w} = \frac{180}{12} = 15\) cm
Perimeter of a Rectangle
The perimeter of a rectangle is the total length around the rectangle. It is calculated by adding the lengths of all four sides. Since a rectangle has two pairs of equal sides, the formula simplifies the calculation:
- \(P = 2(l + w)\)
- \(2(12 + w) = 54\)
- Solving for \(w\), you get:\(l + w = 27\), hence\(w = 15\) cm
Quadratic Equation
A quadratic equation is an important concept in algebra that appears in many geometry problems. It takes the form of \(ax^2 + bx + c = 0\). In our problem, we arrive at a quadratic equation when we substitute known values for the dimensions:
- \(w^2 - 27w + 180 = 0\)
- \((w - 12)(w - 15) = 0\)