Length and Width

Question

The length of a rectangle is 4 in longer than its width. If the perimeter of the rectangle is 68 in, what is the length and width

Answer 1

Let’s define our variables first! Let’s use everything given to us.

(length)l = 4+w

(width)= w

We are also given that perimeter = 68. For a rectangle, the perimeter is also equal to 2l + 2w.

We’ve now got all the tools to create an equation to solve for our two variables. (Keep in mind, we will solve for one variable, since we have one equation. This works out great since we have everything in terms of w).

Recall the values of l and w!

2(4+w) +2(w) = 68

8+2w+2w=68

8+4w=68

4w=60

meaning w=15.

Thus l= 4+15=19.

Answer 2

L= 4+W

W = L-4

L -W = 4

2L +2W = 68

L + W = 34

L-W = 4

add last 2 equations

2L = 38

L = 38/2 = 19 inches long

W = 19-4 = 15 inches wide