Question

a rectangle has an area of 12 square centimeters. what could be the length and width of the rectangle?
length: 12 centimeters
width: 2 centimeters
length: 9 centimeters
width: 3 centimeters
length: 4 centimeters
width: 3 centimeters
length: 5 centimeters
width: 1 centimeter

Explanation:

Step1: Recall area formula for rectangle

The area of a rectangle is given by \( A = \text{length} \times \text{width} \), where \( A = 12 \, \text{cm}^2 \). We need to check which pair of length and width gives a product of 12.

Step2: Check first option

For length = 12 cm and width = 2 cm: \( 12 \times 2 = 24
eq 12 \). So this is incorrect.

Step3: Check second option

For length = 9 cm and width = 3 cm: \( 9 \times 3 = 27
eq 12 \). So this is incorrect.

Step4: Check third option

For length = 4 cm and width = 3 cm: \( 4 \times 3 = 12 \). This satisfies the area formula.

Step5: Check fourth option

For length = 5 cm and width = 1 cm: \( 5 \times 1 = 5
eq 12 \). So this is incorrect.

Answer:

length: 4 centimeters, width: 3 centimeters