Solving for the Area of Rectangular Playing Fields: Geometry and Algebra

Solving for the Area of Rectangular Playing Fields: Geometry and Algebra

When dealing with rectangular playing fields, the perimeter and area are two fundamental measurements that provide crucial information about the field's dimensions. Let's explore how to calculate the area given the perimeter and a relationship between the length and width of the rectangle. The provided problems and solutions will illustrate the process step-by-step.

The First Problem: Length 6 Meters Shorter than Twice the Width

Given the perimeter of a rectangular playing field is 504 meters and its length is 6 meters shorter than twice its width, we can use geometry and algebra to find the area of the field.

Step-by-Step Solution for the First Problem

Define the variables:

l length of the rectangle in meters

w width of the rectangle in meters

The perimeter of the rectangle is given by:

P 2l 2w

Given that the perimeter is 504 meters:

2l 2w 504

Divide the entire equation by 2:

l w 252
This is Equation 1.

From the problem, we know that the length is 6 meters shorter than twice the width:

l 2w - 6
This is Equation 2.

Substitute Equation 2 into Equation 1:

2w - 6 w 252

Combine like terms:

3w - 6 252

Add 6 to both sides:

3w 258

Divide by 3:

w 86

Find the length using Equation 2:

l 2(86) - 6 172 - 6 166

Calculate the area of the rectangle using the width and length:

Area (A) l × w 166 × 86 14276 square meters

The Second Problem: Ratio Between Length and Breadth is 6:2

The problem states that the perimeter of a rectangular field is 480 meters, and the ratio of the length to the breadth is 6:2. Let's solve for the area using these conditions.

Step-by-Step Solution for the Second Problem

Define the ratio of length to breadth:

Length : Breadth 6 : 2

Let L 6x and B 2x

The perimeter of the rectangle is given by:

Perimeter (P) 2L 2B

Given that the perimeter is 480 meters:

2(6x) 2(2x) 480

Simplify the equation:

480 12x 4x 16x

Solve for x:

x 480 / 16 30

Calculate the length and breadth:

Length (L) 6x 6(30) 180 meters

Breadth (B) 2x 2(30) 60 meters

Calculate the area of the rectangle:

Area (A) L × B 180 × 60 10800 square meters

Conclusion and Verification

In both problems, we used the perimeter and the given relationships between the length and width to solve for the area. The area of the first rectangular playing field is 14276 square meters, and the area of the second field is 10800 square meters. The solutions demonstrate that by carefully applying the formulas and relationships, the area of a rectangular field can be accurately determined.

Remember to always double-check your calculations by substituting the values back into the original equations to ensure the results are correct.

Keywords: Rectangular Playing Field, Perimeter, Area, Algebraic Equations