A Rectangular Lot Is to Be Bounded by a Fence

question 281

Essay

A rectangular lot is to be bounded by a fence on three sides and by a wall on the fourth side. Two kinds of fencing will be used with heavy duty fencing selling for $4 a foot on the side opposite the wall. The two remaining sides will use standard fencing selling for $3 a foot. What are the dimensions of the rectangular plot of greatest area that can be fenced in at a cost of $25,920?

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Definitions:

Cuneiform

Latin, “wedge-shaped.” A system of writing used in ancient Mesopotamia, in which wedge-shaped characters were produced by pressing a stylus into a soft clay tablet, which was then baked or otherwise allowed to harden.

Pictography

The use of pictorial symbols or drawings to convey language and ideas, predating traditional writing systems.

Ashurnasirpal II

An Assyrian king known for his expansive building projects, including the palace at Nimrud and many reliefs depicting his conquests and hunting exploits.

Kalhu

An ancient city that served as the capital of the Assyrian Empire under the reign of Ashurnasirpal II; also known as Nimrud in modern times.