Q. A chalkboard has a perimeter of 16feet. Its area is 15square feet. What are the dimensions of the board?____ feet by ____ feet
Define Variables: Let l be the length and w be the width of the chalkboard.The perimeter of a rectangle is given by the formula P=2l+2w.
Perimeter Equation: Given the perimeter of the chalkboard is 16 feet, we can write the equation 16=2l+2w.
Simplify Perimeter: Simplify the perimeter equation by dividing all terms by 2 to get 8=l+w.
Area Equation: The area of a rectangle is given by the formula A=lw.Given the area of the chalkboard is 15 square feet, we can write the equation 15=lw.
Solve System: We now have a system of two equations with two variables:1. 8=l+w2. 15=lwWe can solve this system by expressing one variable in terms of the other using the first equation and then substituting into the second equation.
Express w in terms of l: From the first equation, express w in terms of l: w=8−l.
Substitute into Area Equation: Substitute w=8−l into the second equation 15=lw to get 15=l(8−l).
Expand Equation: Expand the equation 15=l(8−l) to get 15=8l−l2.
Form Quadratic Equation: Rearrange the equation to form a quadratic equation: l2−8l+15=0.
Factor Quadratic Equation: Factor the quadratic equation to find the values of l: (l−3)(l−5)=0.
Solve for l: Set each factor equal to zero and solve for l: l−3=0 or l−5=0. This gives us l=3 or l=5.
Find Dimensions: If l=3, then w=8−l=8−3=5. If l=5, then w=8−l=8−5=3. So the dimensions of the chalkboard can be either 3 feet by 5 feet or 5 feet by 3 feet.
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