Ok I'm doing a quadratic equation word problem and I don't know how to start this problem... a rectangle that measures 40'x50' must be decreased to 1739 square feet... how to I start this problem?
Thanks

I am assuming that the problem states that you are to reduce both the length and width by the same amount - correct?

You are starting with a rectangle that is 40 by 50 or 2000 square feet:

40 * 50 = 2000

If you subtract x feet from both sides, the new area is:

(40-x)*(50-x) = 1739

Solve for x. This tells you how many feet to lop off both the length and width.