A rectangular plot of land measures 50 m by 30 m. If a path 2 m wide is built around the plot, what is the area of the path?
["Understanding the Area of a Landscape Path: A Rectangular Plot with a 2-Meter Wide Walkway", "When designing outdoor spaces like gardens, patios, or recreation areas, one common challenge is incorporating functional yet aesthetically pleasing pathways. A practical example involves a rectangular plot of land with precise measurements—50 meters in length and 30 meters in width. Adding a 2-meter-wide path around the perimeter transforms both the usable space and the overall layout. But how much area does this path actually occupy?", "In this SEO-optimized article, we’ll explore the calculation of the path’s area using basic geometry and real-world landscaping scenarios. This information is valuable for homeowners, landscapers, and urban planners looking to maximize outdoor space efficiently.", "---", "### What Is the Area of the Rectangular Plot?", "Start by calculating the area of the original rectangular plot:", "[\n\ ext{Area of plot} = \ ext{Length} \ imes \ ext{Width} = 50\ \ ext{m} \ imes 30\ \ ext{m} = 1,500\ \ ext{m}^2\n]", "---", "### Adding the Path: Expanding the Total Area", "When a 2-meter-wide path is built around the entire plot, every side of the rectangle increases by twice the path width—once on each side. Therefore:", "- New length = (50\ \ ext{m} + 2 \ imes 2\ \ ext{m} = 54\ \ ext{m})\n- New width = (30\ \ ext{m} + 2 \ imes 2\ \ ext{m} = 34\ \ ext{m})", "New total area including the path:", "[\n\ ext{Total area} = 54\ \ ext{m} \ imes 34\ \ ext{m} = 1,836\ \ ext{m}^2\n]", "---", "### Calculating the Area of the Path Itself", "To find the area covered by the path alone, subtract the original plot area from the total area:", "[\n\ ext{Area of path} = \ ext{Total area} - \ ext{Plot area} = 1,836\ \ ext{m}^2 - 1,500\ \ ext{m}^2 = 336\ \ ext{m}^2\n]", "---", "### Visualizing the Layout", "Imagine the plot as a rectangle. The surrounding 2-meter-wide path forms a uniform border. This increases usable space near the edges while concrete liners or stepping stones define the walkway. The extra 8 meters in each dimension (4 meters per side) ensure full coverage, showcasing how simple path designs expand space meaningfully.", "---", "### Why This Measurement Matters", "Understanding the exact area of surrounding paths helps in material estimation—such as gravel, concrete, or pavers—ensuring no budget is underestimated. Whether you’re planning gardening beds adjacent to the path or laying a stone surface, knowing the path’s footprint supports smart, efficient design.", "---", "### Summary", "- Plot size: 50 m × 30 m = 1,500 m²\n- With 2 m wide path: New dimensions = 54 m × 34 m = 1,836 m²\n- Area of path alone: 1,836 m² – 1,500 m² = 336 m²", "In summary, a 2-meter-wide path surrounding a 50 m × 30 m rectangular plot occupies 336 square meters, significantly expanding usable outdoor space while streamlining construction planning.", "---", "Keywords: rectangular plot area, path area around plot, 2m wide path calculation, landscape design, outdoor space planning, landscape area calculation\nMeta Description: Learn how to calculate the area of a 2-meter-wide path around a 50 m × 30 m rectangular plot. Simplified shape math and real-world landscaping applications. Perfect for homeowners and gardeners."]
