SOLUTION: The perimeter of a rectangular building is 234 feet. The width is 25 feet shorter than the length. What are the dimensions? (Let W represent the width and L represent the length.)

Algebra ->  Conversion and Units of Measurement -> SOLUTION: The perimeter of a rectangular building is 234 feet. The width is 25 feet shorter than the length. What are the dimensions? (Let W represent the width and L represent the length.)       Log On


   

Question 209776: The perimeter of a rectangular building is 234 feet. The width is 25 feet shorter than the length. What are the dimensions? (Let W represent the width and L represent the length.) Is the answer A,B,C, or D? I couldn't figure it out. Thank you.
A) W = L - 25, 2L + 2W = 234
B) W = L - 25, L + W = 234
C) L = W - 25, 2L + W = 234
D) W = L + 25, 2L + 2W = 234
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Since "The width is 25 feet shorter than the length", this means that the width W is W=L-25. In other words, take the length L and subtract 25 ft to get the width.


Ex: if the length is 50 ft, then the width is W=50-25=25 ft


Now it helps to remember that the perimeter formula is P=2W%2B2L which you could rearrange to 2L%2B2W=P (as the answer choices do so). Now plug in the perimeter P=234 to get 2L%2B2W=234


Putting this together, we have the equations: W=L-25 and 2L%2B2W=234.


So the answer is A)


Note: to find W and L, simply use substitution or elimination on the two equations.