To Solve this question quickly, you can use the Idea of the Discriminant to determine if a Root Solution of the Quadratic is possible.
Given that the Area = 40 ------> X * Y = 40
the Perimeter of a Rectangle (with Sides X and Y) = 2X + 2Y = ?
thus, take Each Answer Choice and Divide by 2 and set the result equal to X + Y
then Substitute and set up the Quadratic Equation
then Solve for the Discriminant:
if:
(b)^2 - 4(a)(c) < 0 --------> then there is NO Root Solution to the Quadratic
I. Can the Perimeter = 20
2X + 2Y = 20
X + Y = 10
Given: X * Y = 40 -------> Y = (40/X)
Substituting:
X + (40/X) = 10
---multiplying both sides by (+)Pos. Length X----
(X)^2 + 40 = 10X
(X)^2 - 10X + 40 = 0
Is there a Solution to this Quadratic such that the Perimeter is possible??
(b)^2 - 4(a)(c) = (-10)^2 - 4(1)(40) = 100 - 160 = -60
since the Discriminant is LESS THAN < 0, there are No Possible Root Solutions for the Quadratic.
This means, given an Area of the Rectangle = 40, the Perimeter can NOT possible by = 20
II. Can the Perimeter = 40?
2X + 2Y = 40
X + Y = 20
---Substuting: X*Y = 40 -----> Y = (40/X) ----
X + (40/X) = 20
(X)^2 + 40 = 20X
(X)^2 - 20X + 40 = 0
(b)^2 - 4(a)(c) = (-20)^2 - 4(1)(40) = 400 - 160 > 0 --------> there exists a Root value that Solves the Quadratic and thus the Perimeter of 40 is Possible when the Area of the Rectangle = 40
*NOTE* -4(a)(c) does NOT Change from Answer to Answer, depending on the size of the Perimeter, only (b)^2 will change
Thus, without performing the Calculations for III, inspection of the pattern will show us that both II and III are possible Perimeters
(or you can calculate the Value of the Discriminant again to see if it is equal to 0 or greater than > 0 such that there is a possible solution to the Quadratic)
II and III
-D-