The initial dimenssions of the park lot are:
length: 140 ft
width: 90 ft
initial area: 140 * 90 = 12,600 ft^2
Area increased 29% = 12,600 * 1.29 = 16,254 ft^2
width of the strips: x
New length: 140 + x
New width: 90 + x
New area: (140+x)(90+x) = 16,254
Solution of the equation:
12600 + 230x + x^2 = 16254
=> x^2 + 230x - 3654 = 0
Use the quadratic formula.
x = {-230 +/- √[ 230^2 - 4*1*(-3654) ]} / 2 =
x = 14.92
The other solution is negative so it is discarded.
Answer: 15 ft
