3. The length of a rectangle is 7 inches, and the area of the rectangle is \( 99.5 \mathrm{in}^{2} \). What is the width of the rectangle in inches?

To find the width of the rectangle, you can use the formula for the area of a rectangle, which is Area = Length × Width. Given that the area is 99.5 square inches and the length is 7 inches, you can set up the equation: \[ 99.5 = 7 \times \text{Width} \] To solve for the width, divide both sides of the equation by 7: \[ \text{Width} = \frac{99.5}{7} \approx 14.21 \text{ inches} \] So, the width of the rectangle is approximately 14.21 inches. For a historical twist, did you know that the area of shapes has been studied since ancient civilizations? The Egyptians used geometry to calculate land areas, primarily for agriculture, using simple shapes much like rectangles. Ancient mathematicians laid the groundwork for our modern understanding with principles that are still in use today! Now, if you ever find yourself needing to figure out the dimensions of a rectangle, a handy tip is to remember to double-check your area calculations. It’s easy to mix up your multiplications or get caught up in dividing incorrectly! Keeping a calculator handy can help eliminate simple mistakes and ensure your dimensions are spot on.