The perimeter of a rectangular garden is 102 meters. The length is 6 meters longer than twice the width. Find the dimensions of the garden.

Question

I am a college freshman at WSSU.

Answer 1

Definition - perimeter (P) = 2L + 2W

 

In your case, L = 2W+6

 

Now you have two equations.  Just substitute L = 2W+6 in the perimeter equation to read, P = 2(2W+6) +2W.  P = 4W+12+2W, or P = 6W+12.  102 = 6W+12, then solve for W.  90 = 6W.  15 = W.

 

Back to the beginning, L = 2W+6 and since we know W = 15, L must be 2(15)+6, or 36.

 

Checking the answer... if P = 2L+2W and L = 36 and W = 15, P = 2(36)+2(15), P = 72+30 or 102!