In the figure, rectangle $A B C D$ represents a rectangular plot of land whose width measures $3 / 5$ of the length. Rectangle $A B E F$ represents a rectangular garden whose width also measures $3 / 5$ of the length.

![](https://cdn.mathpix.com/cropped/2024_05_01_280b19a87fa67143351eg-021.jpg?height=240&width=371&top_left_y=1408&top_left_x=1485)

What is the ratio between the area of the garden and the total area of the plot?
(a) $30 \%$
(b) $36 \%$
(c) $40 \%$
(d) $45 \%$
(e) $50 \%$
The correct option is (b).

From the data of the problem we know that

$$
\frac{3}{5} A D=A B \quad \text { and } \quad \frac{3}{5} A B=A F
$$

Therefore, $A F=\frac{3}{5} A B=\left(\frac{3}{5}\right)^{2} A D=\frac{9}{25} A D$. The area of the land is $A B \times A D$ and the area of the garden is $A B \times A F$, so the ratio between these areas is

$$
\frac{A B \times A F}{A B \times A D}=\frac{A F}{A D}=\frac{9}{25}=\frac{36}{100}=36 \%
$$