David W. answered • 06/07/19
Tutor
4.7
(90)
Experienced Prof
Given:
P = 34 [Perimeter]
W = 6.5 {let's use W and L to make it easy to read]
Also known:
P = W + L + W + L = 2(W+L)
Fill in values:
34 = 2(6.5+L) [NOTE: This is an equation to determine the length (L) of the rectangle."]
. . .
17 = 6.5 + L [NOTE: This is a simplified form of the above equation.]
. . .
10.5 = L [NOTE: This is the solution (the value of L)]
I would assume that the author of this question is not interested in simply getting the answer (so L=10.5 alone would be incorrect) or in the process, but simply in CORRECTLY "SETTING IT UP," KNOWING THAT P=2(W+L).]
David W.
"Teaching to the test" has been a disaster! When students write (even on WyzAnt,"Just give me the answer," I often cringe. So, when there is an attempt to check INFORMATION (not PERFORMANCE) by asking a student to "just set it up," it may be a quick check (like reviewing note cards). This is why math review books have SECTIONS on topics like SUBSTITUTION and ELIMINATION (because a student may be an expert on SUBSTITUTION but a novice on ELIMINATION). So, actually, your statement, "Can you do the rest?" is quite appropriate -- it allows the student to make an interpretation (knowing the teacher) to decide what, exactly, is expected [note: Even teachers have difficulty writing clear questions]. Now, for STANDARDIZED TESTS, please don't make assumptions about what the problem asks -- those question writers are highly trained to make students "trip over a brick" or "hit a brick wall."06/07/19