What is the width and length

Question

The width of a rectangle is 5 meters less than its length, and the perimeter is 26 meters. Find the length and  width of the rectangle. 

Answer 1

Let W = width, L = length

 

We know W = L - 5

 

The perimeter is W + L + W + L = 26

 

Substituting L - 5 for W in the perimeter equation gives

 

(L - 5) + L + (L - 5) + L = 26, so

 

4L - 10 = 26

 

4L = 36 

 

L = 9 and W = L - 5 = 4.  

 

So the length is 9 meters and the width is 4 meters