A large patio has a perimeter of 24 feet. The long side measures 10 feet. How long is each short side

Question

A large patio has a perimeter of 24 feet. The long side measures 10 feet. How long is each short side.

Answer 1

The perimeter of the Patio is 24 feet.

The width (W) is the longest side, so that is 10 feet.

The length (L) in this case is the shortest side.

Using those information we have:

2W + 2L = 24

We know W = 10 Feet

So,

2W + 2L = P

2(10) + 2L = 24

20 + 2L = 24

L = (24 - 20)/2

L = 4/2

L = 2 Feet.

Answer 2

Here's a non-algebra approach. Assumes that the patio is a rectangle or something similar and that there are two long sides and two short sides. We know the total perimeter is 24 and that the long sides use up 10 + 10, or 20 feet. That leaves 24 - 20 = 4 ft for the 2 short sides. 4/2 = 2 ft per short side. (Very narrow!!)