Find the width and length of the fenced-in area

Question

A rectangular area is to be fenced in along a straight river bank as illustrated. The length of the? fenced-in area is to be 3 feet greater than the? width, and the total amount of fencing to be used is 87 feet. Find the width and length of the? fenced-in area.

Answer 1

--------------------

  |                |

  |                | L=W+3

  |_________|

         W

 

We are fencing 3 sides.... W, W+3, W+3

 

W + W+3 + W+3 = 87

3W + 6 = 87

3W = 81

W = 27 ft

L = W+3 = 30 feet