word problem

Question

The length of a banquet table is 4 feet longer than 5 times it's width. If the perimeter is 80 feet, what are the dimensions of the table. 

With of table 

Length of table

Answer 1

Let W = the width of the table and L = its length.

• The length of a banquet table is 4 feet longer than 5 times it's width:   L = 5W + 4
• The perimeter is 80 feet:    80 = 2L + 2W

 

Since L = 5W+4, substitute 5W+4 in place of L in the second equation:

 

80 = 2L + 2W

80 = 2(5W+4) + 2W

80 = 10W + 8 + 2W

80 = 12W + 8

72 = 12W

 

Solve for W.  Once you have W, L = 5W+4.

Answer 2

The length, Breana, L = 4 + 5W

 

The perimeter P = 2L + 2W = 2(4 + 5W) + 2W = 80

 

8 + 10W + 2W = 80

 

12W=72

 

W = 36

 

L = 4 +5*36 = 184