Hello, Nevaeh,
I'll assume that the yard forms a rectangle. Let W be the width and L the length of the yard. The perimeter of 250 feet is made up of 2 widths and 2 lengths:
2W + 2L = 250 feet
We are told that eight time the length, L, is equal to 17 times its width, W, So we can write:
8L = 17W
Rearranging, L = (17/8)*W
Using this expression in the first equation:
2W + 2*(17/8)*W = 250
2W + (34/8)*W = 250
2W + (4.25)*W = 250
6.25W = 250
W = 40 feet
L = (17/8)*(40 feet)
L = 85 feet
2*40 + 2*85 = ?
80 + 170 = 250 feet The numbers work.
The W is 40 feet and the L is 85 feet
Bob
