Expert: Abe Mantell - 7/22/2009

Question
:

I have no problem solving the equations but I am having difficulty with one of my problems:  Create a real-life situation that fits into the equation (x+3)(x-5)=0 and express the situation as the same equation. WHAT?!?  I have no idea on how to begin this.  PLEASE HELP ME!!!

Answer
I am not 100% sure I know what you want, but how about this...

Suppose I want to construct a rectangular garden that is 15 square feet,
but I want the width 2 ft shorter than the length.  Thus...

Let x=length, then x-2=the width...Area=15 gives
x(x-2)=15 ==> x^-2x=15 ==> x^2-2x-15=0 ==> (x+3)(x-5)=0
So, x=-3 or x=5...taking the positive answer gives 5 ft long by 3 ft wide

OK?

Abe