Find the dimensions of each rectangle

Question

The length of a rectangle is twice its width (w). A second rectangle, which is 8cm longer and 3 cm narrower than the first rectabgle, has perimeter 154 cm. Find the dimensions of each rectangle

Answer 1

Greg, if we draw a rectangle, we see that if we let x = the width of the first rectangle, then the length is 2x. 

 

That makes the length of the 2nd rectangle 2x+8 and the width x-3.

 

We know that the perimeter is 2w + 2l, so we have that 2(2x+8) + 2(x-3) = 154.  Solve for x and you can find the lengths and widths of both rectangles.

 

Hope this helps!