width: Â Â W = 2L-5
area: Â Â Â A = 700 sq in
A=L*W, so L = A/W. Â Thus, L = (700 sq in) / (2L - 5 in)
Solve this for L. Â Mult both sides of this equation by (2L-5), obtaining
L(2L-5) = 700. Â Then, 2L^2 - 5L - 700 = 0
Using the quadratic formula to solve for L:
    -(-5) plus or minus sqrt( [-5]^2 - 4[2][-700] )
L = ------------------------------------------------------------
               2[2]
      Â
      5 plus or minus sqrt(25+5600)
  = ----------------------------------------------
                4
    5 plus or minus sqrt(5625)    5 plus or minus 75
  = ------------------------------------- = ---------------------------
                 4                  4
   = 20 or -17.5.  choose the positive result.  Thus, L = 20 inches, andÂ
                                   W = 2(20 in) - 5 in = 35 inches.