What equation do I use?

pezgrl78

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Apr 27, 2007
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What equation am I supposed to use?

A garden area is 30 ft long and 20 ft wide. A path of uniform width is set around the edge. If the remaining garden area is 400 ft, what is the width of the path?
Thanks
 
It is not particularly clear the way it is written. My first guess would be rectangular.

Please draw a picture.

L = Length = 30 ft
W = Width = 20 ft

Total Area = L*W

P = Path Width

S = Remaining Length = L - 2P <== Why is that '2P and not just 'P'
R = Remaining Width = W - 2P <== Why is that '2P and not just 'P'

Remaining Area = S*R = (L-2P)(W-2P) = 400 ft^2 = (30 ft - 2P)(20 ft - 2P)

Solve for P
400 ft^2 = (30 ft - 2P)(20 ft - 2P)
 
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