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A rectangular parking lot is 20 ft longer than it is wide. Find the dimensions of the parking lot if it measures 100 ft diagonally

Ask by Dawson Fleming. in the United States
Nov 30,2024

Upstudy AI Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

The dimensions of the parking lot are 60 ft by 80 ft.

Solution

To find the dimensions of the rectangular parking lot, we can use the Pythagorean theorem.
Let’s denote the width of the parking lot as and the length as .
Given that the parking lot is 20 ft longer than it is wide, we have the relationship:
We are also given that the diagonal of the parking lot measures 100 ft. Using the Pythagorean theorem, we can write:
Substitute into the equation:
Now, we can solve this equation to find the dimensions of the parking lot.
Solve the quadratic equation by following steps:
  • step0: Solve by factoring:
  • step1: Expand the expression:
  • step2: Move the expression to the left side:
  • step3: Factor the expression:
  • step4: Divide the terms:
  • step5: Separate into possible cases:
  • step6: Solve the equation:
  • step7: Rewrite:

    The solutions to the equation are and .
Since the width of the parking lot cannot be negative, we discard the solution .
Therefore, the width of the parking lot is 60 ft, and the length is 60 + 20 = 80 ft.
The dimensions of the rectangular parking lot are 60 ft by 80 ft.

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The Deep Dive

To visualize our parking lot problem, let’s dive into a little geometric history! The Pythagorean theorem—formulated by the ancient Greeks—helps us find relationships in right triangles. In our case, knowing that the parking lot is rectangular gives us two sides (width and length) and the diagonal forming a right triangle. The theorem states that , where is the diagonal.
Now, let’s tackle real-world applications! Imagine this parking lot is part of a new shopping mall, and accurate dimensions are crucial. Once we find the width and length, this calculation can guide the construction, paving, and even the quantity of paint needed for parking lines! For example, if we determine the dimensions correctly, it can drastically affect how many vehicles can park and how smoothly they can move in and out. So, keep that calculator handy—the right dimensions make for a smooth operation!

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