Question

The short sides of a rectangle are 2 inches. The long sides of the same rectangle are three less than an unknown number of inches.
If the AREA of the rectangle is 22 inches, what is the value of the unknown number?


SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME I CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE ANSWER

Answer 1

So remember that area of a rectangle is a = bh. In this case, our sides are 2 and n - 3 (three less than unknown number) and our area is 22. Using our info, we can form the equation: $22=2(n-3)$ . From here we can solve for n.

Firstly, foil 2(n-3): $22=2n-6$

Next, add 6 on both sides of the equation: $28=2n$

Next, divide both sides of the equation and your answer will be 14 = n. In context, the value of the unknown number is 14 in.

Answer 2

Remark

The width is given. The area is given. That allows you to find out what the length is. From there you can find the unknown number which can be calculated.

Givens

Area = L * W

Area = 22 square inches.

W = 2 inches.

L = ???

Step One

Find the length

A = L*W

22 = L * 2 Divide by 2

22/2 = L

11 = L

Step Two

Find the unknown number.

Let the unknown number = x

L = x - 3

11 = x - 3

x = 11 + 3

x = 14