What is the flag's width?

Question

A seed company plantes a floral mosiac of a national flag. The perimeter of the flag is 520 feet. Determine the flags length and width if the length is 40 feet greater than the width.

Answer 1

Let width = x

Let length = x + 40

Perimeter = 2(length) + 2(width)

 

 

2x + 2(x + 40) = 520

2x + 2x + 80 = 520

4x + 80 = 520

4x = 440

 

  x = 110

 

Substitute this value of x to obtain your width and length.

Answer 2

Hi Carolina--

 

w + 40 = l, since the width plus 40 feet equals the length.

 

and you have 2 widths + 2 lengths to equal the perimeter of 520

 

so 2w plus 2(w + 40) = 520

 

so 4w + 80 = 520

 

4w = 440

 

w = 110, l = 150

 

hope this helps!

 

matt in ny