Solve the problem.
-A rectangular garden has dimensions of 25 feet by 17 feet. A gravel path of consistent width is to be built around the garden. How wide can the path be if there is enough gravel for 400 square feet?
A) 6 ft
B) 4 ft
C) 5 ft
D) 6.5 ft

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The area of the garden is 25 ft * 17 ft = 425 square feet. The total area, including the path, minus the garden area equals the area available for the path, which is 400 square feet. Let the width of the path be x feet. The dimensions of the garden plus the path will be (25 + 2x) by (17 + 2x). The equation for the area including the path is (25 + 2x)(17 + 2x) = 425 + 400. Simplifying gives 4x^2 + 84x - 400 = 0. Solving for x gives x = 4 feet as the width of the path that uses exactly 400 square feet of gravel.

Solve the Problem. -A Rectangular Garden Has Dimensions of 25 Feet by 17