The length of a rectangle exceeds its width by 5 inches. The area of the rectangle is 84 square inches. Find its dimensions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Givens

Let the width be w

Let the length be w + 5

Let the area = 84

Equation

A = L*w

Solution

x(x + 5) = 84              Remove the brackets

x^2 + 5x = 84            Subtract 84 from both sides

x^2 + 5x - 84 = 0      This will factor

(x - 7)(x + 12) =0

x + 12 has no meaning. Geometry does not use negative numbers.

x - 7 = 0                      Add 7 to both sides

x = 7

The width = 7

The length = 7 + 5 = 12