SOLUTION: Hi, I am a distance education student and new to geometry. I do not get it. Every other math sight I have found only tell you the answer but not how they got it. Thanks, Lee Ann

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: Hi, I am a distance education student and new to geometry. I do not get it. Every other math sight I have found only tell you the answer but not how they got it. Thanks, Lee Ann       Log On


   

Question 60671This question is from textbook Essential Algebra
: Hi, I am a distance education student and new to geometry. I do not get it. Every other math sight I have found only tell you the answer but not how they got it. Thanks, Lee Ann
Problem: The Width of a rectangle is three feet less than its length. Find the length of the rectangle if its perimeter is 78 feet. This question is from textbook Essential Algebra

Answer by checkley71(8403) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
PERIMETER=2*LENGTH+2WIDTH
78=2*L+2(L-3)
78=2L+2L-6
78=4L-6
4L=78+6
4L=84
L=84/4
L=21 THEN THE WIDTH=21-3=18
PROOF
78=2*21+2*18
78=42+36
78=78
SUGGESTION: WHEN YOU WORK WORD PROBLEMS, IF POSSIBLE, DRAW A PICTURE, SKETCH OR DIAGRAM AND LABEL ALL RELEVENT FACTS, MEASUREMENTS, ANGLES, ETC.