Solve the problem.
-A rug is to fit in a room so that a border of even width is left on all four sides. If the room is 18 feet by 20 feet and the area of the rug is 143 square feet, how wide will the border be?
A) 3.5 ft
B) 4.5 ft
C) 6 ft
D) 5.5 ft

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The area of the room is 18 ft * 20 ft = 360 square feet. The area of the rug is 143 square feet, so the area of the border is 360 - 143 = 217 square feet. Let x be the width of the border. The dimensions of the rug will then be (18 - 2x) by (20 - 2x), and its area is (18 - 2x)(20 - 2x) = 143. Solving for x gives x = 3.5 ft.

Solve the Problem. -A Rug Is to Fit in a Room So That