The width of a picture frame

HOME

Math Central

Quandaries & Queries

Question from Daniel, a student:

Hey I'm in the 12th grade but I'm taking a college class. I was wondering
how to do this kind of problem.

The frame of a picture is 28 cm by 32 cm outside and is of uniform
width. What is the width of the frame if 200 cm ^2 shows?

Hi Daniel,

Suppose the width of the frame is w cm as in the diagram.

frame

What is the height of the picture inside the frame?
What is the width of the picture inside the frame?
What is the area of the picture inside the frame?

Set this area equal to 200 cm² and solve for w.

Penny

Math Central is supported by the University of Regina and The Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences.