1. Write the equation for the Pythagorean theorem:
w^2 + (w + 7)^2 = 13^2
2. Calculate the square of 13:
13^2 = 169
3. Expand the equation:
w^2 + (w + 7)^2 = 169
w^2 + (w^2 + 14w + 49) = 169
4. Combine like terms:
2w^2 + 14w + 49 = 169
5. Simplify and rearrange the equation:
2w^2 + 14w + 49 - 169 = 0
2w^2 + 14w - 120 = 0
6. Divide the entire equation by 2 to simplify:
w^2 + 7w - 60 = 0
7. Factor the quadratic equation:
(w + 12)(w - 5) = 0
8. Solve for w:
- Either w + 12 = 0 which gives w = -12 (not possible in this context, since width can't be negative)
- Or w - 5 = 0 which gives w = 5
9. Find the length:
- Length = w + 7 = 5 + 7 = 12
Therefore, the width is 5 feet and the length is 12 feet.