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Problem of the Week
Problem D and Solution
Cutting the Corner

Problem

Rectangle \(STUV\) has \(P\) on \(ST\), \(R\) on \(SV\), and \(Q\) inside the rectangle such that \(PQRS\) is a square. When square \(PQRS\) is removed from rectangle \(STUV\), the remaining shape has an area of \(92\text{ m}^2\).

If \(PT = 4\text{ m}\) and \(RV=8\text{ m}\), what is the area of rectangle \(STUV\)?

Solution

Let \(x\) represent the side length of square \(PQRS\). In the diagram, extend \(RQ\) to intersect \(TU\) at \(W\). This creates rectangle \(PTWQ\) and rectangle \(RWUV\). Also, \(UV=PT+SP=(4+x)\text{ m}\) and \(TW=RS=x\text{ m}\).

We are given that \(\text{area } PTWQ + \text{area } RWUV = 92\text{ m}^2\). That is, \[\begin{aligned} PT\times TW+RV\times UV&=92\\ 4x+8(4+x)&=92\\ 4x+32+8x&=92\\ 12x+32&=92\\ 12x&=60\\ x&=5 \end{aligned}\] Thus, \(x=5\text{ m}\), and so \(SV=8+x=13\text{ m}\), and \(UV=4+x=9\text{ m}\).

Therefore, the area of rectangle \(STUV\) is \(SV\times UV=13\times 9=117\text{ m}^2\).