Solving Pool Dimensions - Length = 30 ft, Width = 60 ft

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the dimensions of a rectangular swimming pool, given that its length is twice its width and it is surrounded by a cement walk. The area of the walk is specified, and there is a discrepancy between calculated dimensions and those provided in an answer sheet.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the pool's dimensions and the area of the surrounding walk. There are attempts to verify calculations and explore potential errors in the provided answer. Some participants question whether the answer sheet might contain a typo or if rounding was involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their calculations and observations. Some have confirmed similar results, while others are exploring different approaches to the problem. There is no explicit consensus yet on the correct dimensions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of accurately representing the problem setup, including the dimensions of the walk and the pool. There are indications of confusion regarding the area calculations and the relationship between the dimensions and the areas involved.

bacon
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The length of a rectangular swimming pool is twice its width. The pool is surrounded by a cement walk 4 ft wide. If the area of the walk is 748 square feet, determine the dimensions of the pool.

A= the total area bounded by the outer edge of the surrounding walk
W= the area of the walk
P= the area of the pool
x= the length of the short side of the pool

A=P+W
P=x2x=[tex]2x^{2}[/tex]
W=748
A=(x+8)(2x+8)=[tex]2x^{2}+24x+64[/tex]=[tex]2x^{2}+748[/tex]
solving for x gives x=28.5 feet and 2x=57 feet
The answer sheet says the dimensions are 30 and 60 feet.
Where am I going wrong?
Thanks for any replies.
 
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Well, if you plug 30 and 60 back in, you get 784 so maybe it's a typo.

Or they rounded.
 
Did you draw and label a picture?
 
symbolipoint said:
Did you draw and label a picture?

Yes. I just don't know how to reproduce it in the post.
 
bacon said:
Yes. I just don't know how to reproduce it in the post.

Good. I believe you and see now that some of what you showed indicated that you used a picture. I'm working on the exercise right now. Someone will probably write a response before I finish. So far, I'm looking at A of pool equals A of wholeRectangle minus A of walkway. I obtained 2x^2 = (x+8)(2x+8) - 748, and I'm not finished.
 
bacon, in fact, I found the same results as you did: x=28.5, 2x=57
 

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