A rectangular mural has area x² + 7x + 12 square meters. Its side lengths are linear expressions with integer constants. Factor the area to find the side lengths, then evaluate them when x = 5.
Answer
The side lengths are x + 3 and x + 4; when x = 5, they are 8 m and 9 m.
Reasoning Strategy
Find two constants whose product is 12 and sum is 7, then interpret the factors as dimensions.
AI Support Preview
Multiply the factors back to verify the polynomial before substituting x = 5.