Algebra word problem

Question

The ratio of the length of a rectangular field to its width is 4:3. The perimeter of the field is 308 meters. What are its dimensions? P = 2L + 2W

Answer 1

since we are dealing with a ratio of 4:3 we can let length be 4x

and let width be 3x  because that gives us the correct ratio.

4x:3x = 4:3

x is our constant of proportion.

 

L = 4x

W = 3x

 

2L + 2W = 308

2(4x) + 2(3x) = 308

8x + 6x = 308

14x = 308

x = 22

 

22 is our constant of proportion.

Length = 4x = 4(22) = 88 meters

Width = 3x = 3(22) = 66 meters

 

The field is 88 meters by 66 meters

 

Check:  2L + 2W = 308

           2(88) + 2(66) = 308

           176 + 132 = 308

           308 = 308