Answer:
The width of the frame is 0.0746 m.
Step-by-step explanation:
A solar collector is 2.0 m long by 1.5 m wide.
If there is a frame of with x m around the collector and makes the exposed area of the collector 2.5 m², then
(2 - 2x)(1.5 - 2x) = 2.5
⇒ 4x² - 7x + 0.5 = 0
⇒ 8x² - 14x + 1 = 0
Now, applying the quadratic formula we get,
[tex]x = \frac{-(- 14) \pm \sqrt{(- 14)^{2} - 4(8)(1)}}{2(8)}[/tex]
⇒ [tex]x = \frac{14 \pm 12.806}{16}[/tex]
⇒ x = 1.67 m or x = 0.0746 m
But, x can not be more than 1.5 m so, x = 0.0746 m
Hence, the width of the frame is 0.0746 m. (Answer)
