The length of a rectangle is 8 inches more than the width. The perimeter of the rectangle is 56 inches. How would I write this as a linear equation?

Question

I need help with this. I need to create and solve this as a linear equation. Please help.

Answer 1

If we call the width x, then the length of the rectangle is x+8.

 

The perimeter can be written as 2*(x+(x+8)), which is equal to 56.

 

From above, 4x+16=56

subtract 16 from each side of the equation

4x = 40.

 

Answer 2

w=width

w+8=length

P=2l+2w

56=2(w+8)+2w

56=2w+16+2w

56=4w+16

56-16=4w

40=4w

w=40/4

w=10 inches

l=10+8=18 inches