Question

sean is designing a rectangular community garden with a walking path wrapping around it. he knows the total area of the garden and walking path has to be 396 square feet, and he plans for the garden to have an area of 192 square feet. let a represent the area of the walking path. which equation models the problem? $a - 192 = 396$ $192 + a = 396$

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the relationship

The total area (garden + path) is 396. The garden area is 192, path area is \(a\). So garden area + path area = total area.

Step2: Form the equation

Substitute the values: \(192 + a = 396\). The other equation \(a - 192 = 396\) would imply path area is more than total, which is wrong.

Answer:

\(192 + a = 396\) (the second option)