Step-by-step explanation:
Let w be the uniform width of the safety zone.
We have combined area = 10,800ft².
=> Combined area = Length * Width
= (80 + 2w)(50 + 2w)ft².
Therefore (80 + 2w)(50 + 2w) = 10,800.
=> 4,000 + 260w + 4w² = 10,800
=> 4w² + 260w - 6,800 = 0
=> w² + 65w - 1,700 = 0
=> (w - 20)(w + 85) = 0
=> w = 20 or w = -85
(w = -85 is rejected as width must be positive)
Hence the uniform width is 20ft.