The perimeter of a rectangle is 130 inches. Find the dimensions of the rectangle if the ratio of the length to the width is 8 : 5.

Answer 1

Hi Chidimma. Since we know the ratio of the length to the width is 8:5, and we know the perimeter = 2L + 2W, we can make the length 8x, and the width 5x. So 8x + 8x + 5x + 5x = 26x, which is = 130.

lf we divide both sides by 26, then x = 5.

So each length will be 8(5), or 40. And each width will be 5(5), or 25. Therefore, 40 + 40 + 25 + 25 = 130.

Answer 2

A ratio of 8:5 gives us 13 total parts. Since the perimeter is twice the length plus twice the length, then the length and width by themselves are half the perimeter, right?

65/13 = 5

8(5) = 40 inches for the length

5(5) = 25 inches for the width

Let's check.

2(40) + 2(25) = 130

80 + 50 = 130

130 = 130

0 = 0

40:25 also reduces to 8:5, so, check!