Problem solving geometry

Question

a rectangular piece of lumber in Gregs yard is four times as long as it is wide.  its perimeter is 40 in. How long is the piece of lumber?

Answer 1

Perimeter =2(length + width)

 

The length is 4 times the width, so the equation would be

 

40 in. = 2(4 width + width)

40 in. = 2(5 width)

40 in./2= 5 width

20 in =5 width

20 in. /5 =width

4 in = width

 

length = 4 * width

length = 16 inches