Problem 16 - Entrance Test

If the length of a rectangle is increased by 50% and the width is decreased by 25%, what is the effect on the area?

A. Increase of 12.5%B. Increase of 25%C. Decrease of 12.5%D. Decrease of 25%E. No change

Correct: A

Let's assume the original length is L and the original width is W. The original area is LW. If the length is increased by 50%, the new length is 1.5L. If the width is decreased by 25%, the new width is 0.75W. The new area is (1.5L)(0.75W) = 1.125LW. This represents an increase of 12.5% from the original area.