SOLUTION: Hi there, I have a question about geometry for homework. My problem is: "A rectangle with a perimeter of 64 inches has one side that is 4 inches shorter than the other. What are t

Question 171804: Hi there,
I have a question about geometry for homework. My problem is: "A rectangle with a perimeter of 64 inches has one side that is 4 inches shorter than the other. What are the dimensions of the rectangle?"
I don't know how to solve it but this is what I tried:
64 divided by 4 = x
I don't think this is right, please help me.
Thank you!
-Jenn
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x=length and y=width

Remember, the perimeter formula is where L and W is the length and
width

"A rectangle with a perimeter of 64 inches" translates to

and

"one side that is 4 inches shorter than the other" translates to

Start with the first equation

Plug in

Distribute.

Combine like terms on the right side.

Add 8 to both sides.

Combine like terms.

Divide both sides by to isolate .

Reduce

So the first answer is which means that the length is 18 inches

------------------------------------------

Go back to the second equation

Plug in

Subtract

So the second answer is which means that the width is 14 inches.

===========================================================================

Answer:

So the length is 18 inches and the width is 14 inches
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