SOLUTION: The length of a rectangle is twice that of its width. If the area of the rectangle is 72 inches, then find the length and width. I have the hardest time with word problems, if a

Algebra ->  Average -> SOLUTION: The length of a rectangle is twice that of its width. If the area of the rectangle is 72 inches, then find the length and width. I have the hardest time with word problems, if a      Log On


   



Question 884488: The length of a rectangle is twice that of its width. If the area of the rectangle is 72 inches, then find the length and width.
I have the hardest time with word problems, if anyone could help explain this to me I would greatly appreciate it.

Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Write out the words into mathematics first.
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"length of a rectangle is twice that of its width"
L=2W
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"area of the rectangle is 72 inches"
The area of a rectangle is A%5Br%5D=L%2AW
L%2AW=72
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Substitute from above,
2W%2AW=72
W%5E2=36
W=6
Then going back,
L=2W
L=2%286%29
L=12