College

The length of a rectangle is 4 units less than 5 times its width. The area of the rectangle is 197 square units. Which of the following equations can be used to find [tex]w[/tex], the width of the rectangle?

A. [tex]5w^2 - 4w = 197[/tex]

B. [tex]6w - 4 = 197[/tex]

C. [tex]6w - 20 = 197[/tex]

D. [tex]5w^2 - 20w = 197[/tex]

Answer :

To solve the given problem, we need to set up an equation based on the information about the rectangle.

1. Understanding the Problem:
- We are given that the length of a rectangle is 4 units less than 5 times its width.
- We are also given that the area of the rectangle is 197 square units.

2. Setting Up the Equation:
- Let [tex]\( w \)[/tex] be the width of the rectangle.
- Then, the length of the rectangle can be expressed as [tex]\( 5w - 4 \)[/tex].

3. Using the Formula for Area:
- The area [tex]\( A \)[/tex] of a rectangle is given by the formula:
[tex]\[
\text{Area} = \text{length} \times \text{width}
\][/tex]
- Substituting the known values, we get:
[tex]\[
(5w - 4) \times w = 197
\][/tex]

4. Simplifying the Equation:
- Distribute [tex]\( w \)[/tex] in the expression:
[tex]\[
5w^2 - 4w = 197
\][/tex]

5. Identifying the Correct Equation:
- The equation we derived to find the width [tex]\( w \)[/tex] is [tex]\( 5w^2 - 4w = 197 \)[/tex].

This matches option A from the given choices. So, the correct equation that can be used to find [tex]\( w \)[/tex], the width of the rectangle, is:

A. [tex]\( 5w^2 - 4w = 197 \)[/tex]