The perimeter of a rectangular outdoor patio is 62 ft. The length is 5 ft greater than the width. What are the dimensions of the patio?

Question

I understand that w=15, but I cannot figure out how to find the length.

Answer 1

Write the given information as algebraic expressions and solve via substitution

l = w + 5

p = 2w + 2l = 62

2w + 2(w + 5) = 62

2w + 2w + 10 = 62

4w = 52

w = 13 ft.

l = w + 5 = 13 + 5 = 18 ft.