Finding Dimensions

Question

Find the dimensions of a plot of land given the following parameters:

The perimeter is 300ft, and the length is 50 ft more than the width.

Answer 1

Step 1: Let W represent the width, and let L represent the length

Step 2: Write equations that model the conditions

2W + 2L = 300 .....Equation 1

L = W + 50 ......Equation 2

Step 3: Substitute for L in Equation 1

2W + 2(W + 50) = 300

2W + 2W + 100 = 300

4W = 200

W = 50

Using equation 2, L = 50 + 50 = 100 Answer:(50, 100)

Step 4; Check

Using equation 1, 2W + 2L = 300

2(50) + 2(100) = 300

300 = 300