If both the length and width of a rectangular garden are increased by 20%, what is the percentage increase in the garden's area?

Explanation

Assume the original length is x and the width is y, so the initial area is xy. Increasing each dimension by 20% means the new length is 1.2x and the new width is 1.2y. The new area becomes (1.2x) × (1.2y) = 1.44xy. The increase in area is 1.44xy - xy = 0.44xy, which corresponds to a 44% increase.