Answer to #2: x = 12
Step-by-step explanation:
We are given the area and some sides. To find x, we will write an equation as if solving for the area, then work backward using the known area. To find the area, we can break the figure up into two separate shapes. See the attached picture for how I did this.
Keep in mind that the area of a rectangle can be written as A = LW.
Equation for this figure's area:
A = [(15ft - 5 ft)*(5 ft)] + [(5ft)*(x ft)]
Substitute known area:
110 ft² = [(15ft - 5 ft)*(5 ft)] + [(5ft)*(x ft)]
Subtraction:
110 ft² = [(10 ft)*(5 ft)] + [(5ft)*(x ft)]
Multiply:
110 ft² = 50 ft² + 5x ft²
Subtract 50 ft² from both sides of the equation:
60 ft² = 5x ft²
Divide both sides of the equation by 5 ft²:
12 = x
