SOLUTION: The length of a mailing label is 5 cm less than the width. The perimeter is 50 cm. What are the dimensions?

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: The length of a mailing label is 5 cm less than the width. The perimeter is 50 cm. What are the dimensions?      Log On


   

Question 262825: The length of a mailing label is 5 cm less than the width. The perimeter is 50 cm. What are the dimensions?
Answer by drk(1908) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The length of a mailing label is 5 cm less than the width
translates as
(i) L+=+W+-+5
we also know
(ii) 50+=+2L+%2B+2W
substitute (i) into (ii) to get
(iii) 50+=+2%28w-5%29+%2B+2w
distribute and simplify the right to get
(iv) 50+=+4w+-10
add 10 to both sides to get
(v) 60+=+4w
divide by 4 to get
(vi) w+=+15
this means the length is
L+=+10
the envelope is 10 x 15