Answer:
The length is 46.05551275 inches, and the width is 26.05551275 inches.
Step-by-step explanation:
We know that the area must be 1200 square inches. Using this information, we can create an equation, where x is length and y is width:
x*y=1200
We know that its length must be 20 inches longer than its width. Therefore, x=y+20. Using this new information, we can replace 'x' in 'x*y=1200' with 'y+20':
(y+20)*y=1200
[tex]y^{2} +20y=1200[/tex]
[tex]y^{2} +20y-1200=0[/tex]
I have decided to use the quadratic formula, but you could also factor this equation into the 'intercept' form to determine the roots, which ultimately provides the same answer.
[tex]y=\frac{-b+\sqrt{b^{2} -4ac} }{2a}[/tex]
[tex]y=\frac{-(20)+\sqrt{(20)^{2} -4(1)(-1200)} }{2(1)}[/tex]
[tex]y=\frac{-(20)+\sqrt{400+4800} }{2}[/tex]
[tex]y=\frac{-(20)+\sqrt{5200} }{2}[/tex]
[tex]y=\frac{52.11102551 }{2}[/tex]
[tex]y=26.05551275[/tex] inches
[tex]x=y+20[/tex]
[tex]x=(26.05551275)+20[/tex]
[tex]x=46.05551275[/tex] inches
Therefore, the length is 46.05551275 inches, and the width is 26.05551275 inches.
