Width of a rectangular frame in terms of x.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the width of a rectangular frame made from a 16 cm wire, given the length as x and the area as 11 cm². Participants explore the relationship between length and width through perimeter and area equations, as well as solving a quadratic equation derived from these relationships.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Homework-related, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the perimeter of the frame is 16 cm and provides the formula P = 2L + 2W, prompting others to work with this relationship.
  • Another participant derives the width in terms of x, concluding that width = 8 - x, based on the perimeter equation.
  • Participants confirm that the area of the frame can be expressed as x * (8 - x) = 11, leading to the quadratic equation x² - 8x + 11 = 0.
  • One participant proposes using the quadratic formula to solve the equation, showing the steps and arriving at potential solutions for x as 1.76 and 6.76.
  • There is a request for confirmation on the correctness of the derived equations and solutions throughout the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relationships between perimeter, length, width, and area, as well as the formulation of the quadratic equation. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the final solutions for x, as participants seek confirmation on their calculations.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the definitions of length and width are made, and the discussion relies on the validity of the derived equations without resolving potential errors in the calculations.

mathlearn
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By bending a 16 cm wire a rectangular frame is made.

By taking the length as x , write the width in terms of x.

If the area of the frame is $11 cm^2$ show that x satisfies the equation $x^2-8x+11=0$

Solve the equation by taking the $\sqrt{5}=2.24$

Ideas on how to begin ? (Happy)
 
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Well, the perimeter (P) is 16 centimetres, and P = 2L + 2W, where L is length and W is width. Can you work with that?
 
greg1313 said:
Well, the perimeter (P) is 16 centimetres, and P = 2L + 2W, where L is length and W is width. Can you work with that?

16=2x+2width

16-2x=2 width

8-x= width

Correct ? :)

mathlearn said:
If the area of the frame is $11 cm^2$ show that x satisfies the equation $x^2-8x+11=0$

Now area =$11 cm^2$

x*$\left(8-x\right)$=11
$-x^2+8x=11$
$-x^2+8x-11=0$

Correct ? :)
 
Yes! :)
 
mathlearn said:
Solve the equation by taking the $\sqrt{5}=2.24$

Now using the quadratic formula, on $-x^2+8x-11=0$$x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$.

$x=\frac{-8\pm\sqrt{64-44}}{-2}$.

$x=\frac{-8\pm\sqrt{20}}{-2}$.

$x=\frac{-8\pm\sqrt{4}\sqrt{5}}{-2}$.

$x={+4\pm-1*\sqrt{5}}$.

$x={+4\pm-1*2.24}$

$x=1.76$. or $x={+4\pm-1*-2.24}=6.76$

Correct? :)
 

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