A rectangular field is two times as long as it is wide. If the perimeter of the field is 480 feet, what are the dimensions of the field?

Question

A rectangular field is two times as long as it is wide. If the perimeter of the field is 480 feet, what are the dimensions of the field?

Answer 1

Turn the words into equations (mathematical "sentences"):

 

L = Length

W = Width

 

L = 2W  (two times as long as it is wide)

2L + 2W = 480 (perimeter is 480)

 

Substitute 2W in for L in the perimeter equation:

 

(2)(2W) + 2W = 480

4W + 2W = 480

6W = 480

W = 80

 

Plug in W=80 into the Length equation (L = 2W):

 

L = (2)(80)

L = 160