The width of a kitchen table is 2.5ft less than the length. The perimeter of the table is 17ft. Find the dimensions of the table.

Question

 I don't know how to set up the equation

Answer 1

Equation 1: 2l+2w=17. (This is derived using the formula for perimeter)

Equation 2: w=l-2.5

 

Plug in the w from Equation 2 into Equation 1. Then solve for l. Then plug l into Equation 2 and solve for w. 

 

Check your values with the equations to verify.