Math Problem Statement

Solve

Elissa wants to set up a rectangular dog run in her backyard. She has 28 feet of fencing to work with and wants to use it all. If the dog run is to be x feet long, express the area of the dog run as a function of x.

Solution

We are tasked with finding the area of a rectangular dog run that Elissa is creating with 28 feet of fencing, where the length of the run is denoted as xx feet. The goal is to express the area as a function of xx.

Step 1: Understanding the Problem

The perimeter of a rectangular shape is given by: Perimeter=2×(length+width)\text{Perimeter} = 2 \times (\text{length} + \text{width}) In this case, the length is xx, and let's call the width ww.

Given the total fencing available is 28 feet, the equation for the perimeter becomes: 2(x+w)=282(x + w) = 28 Solving for ww, we get: x+w=14w=14xx + w = 14 \quad \Rightarrow \quad w = 14 - x

Step 2: Expression for Area

The area A(x)A(x) of a rectangle is given by: A(x)=length×width=x×(14x)A(x) = \text{length} \times \text{width} = x \times (14 - x) Expanding this expression: A(x)=14xx2A(x) = 14x - x^2

Step 3: Verifying the Options

The correct expression for the area as a function of xx is: A(x)=14xx2A(x) = 14x - x^2 Thus, the correct answer is: A(x)=14xx2\boxed{A(x) = 14x - x^2}

Do you want more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions you might explore:

  1. What are the dimensions of the dog run if the length is 10 feet?
  2. How would the area formula change if Elissa had more fencing?
  3. Can you find the value of xx that maximizes the area of the dog run?
  4. What is the maximum possible area of the dog run using the given fencing?
  5. How would you model this problem if the shape of the dog run were circular instead of rectangular?

Tip: When working with optimization problems involving fencing, always check if the perimeter constraint is being correctly applied to derive the width or other dimensions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Algebra
Quadratic Functions

Formulas

Perimeter of a rectangle = 2(length + width)
Area of a rectangle = length * width
Expanded form: A(x) = 14x - x^2

Theorems

Basic perimeter theorem for rectangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10