Math Problem Statement

The length of a rectangle is 3x + 2. Its area is 21x^2 - x - 10. To find an expression that represents the width of the rectangle, perform the following operation and simplify completely: (21x^2 - x - 10) / (3x + 2).

Solution

From the image you uploaded, the problem is asking you to find the width of a rectangle given its length and area. Here's a summary of the key information:

  • Length: 3x+23x + 2
  • Area: 21x2x1021x^2 - x - 10

To find the width, we use the formula for the area of a rectangle: Area=Length×Width\text{Area} = \text{Length} \times \text{Width} So, the width can be found by dividing the area by the length: Width=AreaLength=21x2x103x+2\text{Width} = \frac{\text{Area}}{\text{Length}} = \frac{21x^2 - x - 10}{3x + 2}

Now, let's perform the division and simplify the expression.

Step 1: Perform Polynomial Division

We need to divide 21x2x1021x^2 - x - 10 by 3x+23x + 2 using polynomial long division.

Step 2: Division Process

  1. Divide the leading term of the numerator 21x221x^2 by the leading term of the denominator 3x3x, which gives 7x7x.
  2. Multiply 7x7x by 3x+23x + 2, which gives 21x2+14x21x^2 + 14x.
  3. Subtract (21x2+14x)(21x^2 + 14x) from 21x2x1021x^2 - x - 10, which gives 15x10-15x - 10.
  4. Divide 15x-15x by 3x3x, which gives 5-5.
  5. Multiply 5-5 by 3x+23x + 2, which gives 15x10-15x - 10.
  6. Subtract (15x10)(-15x - 10) from 15x10-15x - 10, which gives 00.

Thus, the result of the division is: 21x2x103x+2=7x5\frac{21x^2 - x - 10}{3x + 2} = 7x - 5

Final Answer:

The width of the rectangle is 7x57x - 5.

Would you like more details or have any other questions about the process?

Here are five related questions to consider:

  1. How do you perform polynomial long division?
  2. Can you verify the result by multiplying (3x+2)(3x + 2) and (7x5)(7x - 5)?
  3. What happens if the area is expressed differently, such as using different powers of xx?
  4. How would the process change if the leading term of the divisor had a higher degree?
  5. How can factoring be used as an alternative to polynomial division?

Tip: When performing polynomial long division, always check your result by multiplying the quotient by the divisor to ensure accuracy.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomial Division
Rectangular Geometry
Algebra

Formulas

Area of a rectangle: Area = Length × Width
Polynomial Division

Theorems

Division Algorithm for Polynomials

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11