SOLUTION: Suppose that the width of a rectangle is 5 inches shorter than the length and that the perimeter of the rectangle is 50. a) Set up an equation for the perimeter involving only L,

Question 204201: Suppose that the width of a rectangle is 5 inches shorter than the length and that the perimeter of the rectangle is 50.
a) Set up an equation for the perimeter involving only L, the length of the rectangle.
b) Solve this equation algebraically to find the length of the rectangle. Find the width as well.
Found 2 solutions by rfer, MathTherapy:
Answer by rfer(16322) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let width =L=11.25
let length =L+5=16.25
2L+2L+5=50
4L=45
L=11.25
Answer by MathTherapy(10552) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Let the length of the rectangle be L
Since its width is 5 less than its length, then width = L � 5

Now, since its perimeter = 50, then 2(L) + 2(L � 5) = 50

a) 2L + 2L � 10 = 50 (equation of perimeter, in terms of L, its length)

b) 2L + 2L � 10 = 50
4L = 60
L = 15

Since L, or its length is �, then its width is (15 - 5), or �

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