A rectangular garden has dimensions of 19 feet by 15 feet. A gravel path of equal width is to be built around the garden. How wide can the path be if there is enough gravel for 552 square feet?
A) $8.5 \mathrm{ft}$
B) $7 \mathrm{ft}$
C) $8 \mathrm{ft}$
D) $6 \mathrm{ft}$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The area of the garden is $19 \times 15 = 285$ square feet. The total area, including the path, is $285 + 552 = 837$ square feet. Let the width of the path be $x$. The dimensions of the garden plus the path are $(19 + 2x)$ and $(15 + 2x)$, so the equation is $(19 + 2x)(15 + 2x) = 837$. Solving for $x$, we find $x = 6$ feet.

A Rectangular Garden Has Dimensions of 19 Feet by 15 8.5ft8.5 \mathrm{ft}8.5ft

A Rectangular Garden Has Dimensions of 19 Feet by 15 $8.5 \mathrm{ft}$