Find the possible dimensions for each garden

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    Dimensions garden
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the dimensions of two similar gardens belonging to Emily and Sarah, based on given relationships between their widths and lengths. The problem involves algebraic manipulation and solving a quadratic equation.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines variables for the dimensions of Emily's garden and establishes relationships between the gardens' widths and lengths.
  • Another participant provides a mathematical equation derived from the similarity of the gardens, suggesting a method to find the width of Emily's garden.
  • Multiple participants confirm the equation and express their inability to proceed further in solving for the variable.
  • A later post successfully factors the quadratic equation and identifies potential solutions for the width of Emily's garden.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mathematical approach and the derived equation, but there is no consensus on the final interpretation or application of the solutions found.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes unresolved steps in the problem-solving process, particularly regarding the implications of the solutions for the dimensions of the gardens.

Yazan975
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View attachment 8403

What I did:
x = Emily's garden's width
x+4 = Emily's garden's length

y= Sarah's garden's width
18 = Sarah's garden's length

y=x+4(as stated in problem)

x/x+4 = y/18(as the two gardens are similar)
Which means that x/x+4 = x+4/18

Now I can't seem to find x
 

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$$\frac{x}{x+4}=\frac{x+4}{18}\implies18x=x^2+8x+16$$

Can you now find $x$?
 
greg1313 said:
$$\frac{x}{x+4}=\frac{x+4}{18}\implies18x=x^2+8x+16$$

Can you now find $x$?

Actually that's where I got to and couldn't go any further
 
$$18x=x^2+8x+16$$

$$x^2-10x+16=0$$

$$(x-2)(x-8)=0$$

$$x=2\text{ or }x=8$$
 
greg1313 said:
$$18x=x^2+8x+16$$

$$x^2-10x+16=0$$

$$(x-2)(x-8)=0$$

$$x=2\text{ or }x=8$$

Thank you so much!
 

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