Translate this problem to an equation and solve. The area of a patio is 72 square feet. The length of the patio is 1 foot longer than width. What is the width of the patio?

A = LW

A = 72

L = W + 1

72 = W (W + 1)

72 = W^2 + W

W^2 + W - 72 = 0

(W + 9) (W - 8) = 0

W + 9 = 0

W = - 9 ... extraneous solution ... does not work here

W - 8 = 0

W = 8 <==

L = W + 1

L = 8 + 1

L = 9

so the width (W) is 8 ft and the Length is 9 ft