The perimeter of a parallelogram is 72 meters. The width of the parallelogram is 4 meters less than the length. Find the length and the width of the parallelogram.

Answer 1

Lengh: L

Width: L-4

The equation would be set up:

Perimeter: 2L + 2W = 72

Substitute L-4 for W then:

2L + 2(L-4) = 72

2L+ 2L - 8 = 72

4L = 80

L=20 and W=16

Answer 2

Hi, Lena.

Okay, so the width of the parallelogram is 4 meters less than the length. So

W = L - 4

Also the perimeter is 2L + 2W

2L + 2W = 72

Now substitute W = L-4

2L + 2(L - 4) = 72

2L + 2L - 8 = 72

4L =80

L = 20

So, the length (L) = 20 meters

and the width(W) = L - 4 = 16 meters

Now, check:

2(20) + 2(16) = 40 + 32 = 72 meters

The answers are correct

Answer 3

Here's what we know:

P = 2L + 2w (perimeter is the 2 lengths and 2 widths added together)

P = 72

w = L - 4 (the width is 4 less than length)

We have values to our variables, so let's plug them in:

72 = 2L + 2(L - 4)

Distribute:

72 = 2L + 2L - 8

simplify:

72 = 4L - 8

add 8 to both sides:

72 + 8 = 4L - 8 + 8

80 = 4L

Divide by 4:

20 = L

now find w:

w = 20 - 4 = 16

check:

72 = 2 * 20 + 2 * 16

72 = 40 + 32

72 = 72

Don't forget your units.