Linear Equation Word Problem

Question

The world's smallest Quran, published in Cairo, Egypt, in 1982 has width 0.42 cm shorter than its length. The book's perimeter is 5.96 cm. What are the with and length of this Quran, in centimeters? 

Answer 1

The Quran takes the shape of a rectangle.  The perimeter of a rectangle is the sum of twice the width and twice the length.

 

Let length = x

Let width = x - 0.42

 

Using these variables, we can set up an equation that represents the perimeter.

 

2x + 2(x - 0.42) = 5.96

 

 

Solve for x from the equation.  This will give you the length.  Then substitute the value of x into the other expression get the width.