Problema Solution
A rectangular painting has a diagonal measure of 20 inches and an area of 192 square inches. What is the length and width?
Answer provided by our tutors
400 = a^2 + b^2
ab = 192
a = 192/b
400 = (192/b)^2 + b^2
400 = 36864/b^2 + b^2
400b^2 = 36864 + b^4
b^4 - 400b^2 + 36864 = 0
(b^2 - 256)(b^2 - 144) = 0
b^2 = 256
b = 16
b^2 = 144
b = 12
It would be the answer with the greater value. b=16"
a = 192/16
a = 12
The length and width are 16" by 12"