Question

a rectangles width is 2 meters shorter than its length, l. its area is 168 square meters. which equation can be used to find the length of the rectangle?
○ ( l(l - 2) = 168 )
○ ( l(l + 2) = 168 )
○ ( 2l^2 = 168 )
○ ( \frac{1}{2}l^2 = 168 )

Explanation:

Step1: Define width in terms of length

The length of the rectangle is \( l \). The width is 2 meters shorter than the length, so width \( = l - 2 \).

Step2: Recall area formula for rectangle

The area \( A \) of a rectangle is given by \( A=\text{length}\times\text{width} \). Here, length is \( l \), width is \( l - 2 \), and area is 168. So substituting into the formula, we get \( l(l - 2)=168 \).

Answer:

\( l(l - 2)=168 \) (the first option)