SOLUTION: a rectangle has a length of five inches longer than the width"w" if the perimeter is 38 inches, find the dimensions of the rectangle

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: a rectangle has a length of five inches longer than the width"w" if the perimeter is 38 inches, find the dimensions of the rectangle       Log On


   



Question 442911: a rectangle has a length of five inches longer than the width"w" if the perimeter is 38 inches, find the dimensions of the rectangle
Answer by swincher4391(1107) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The perimeter formula is P+=+2l+%2B+2w where P is the perimeter, l is the length and w is the width.
They say that the length is 5 inches longer than the width, then w%2B5+=+l
We know P+=+38
So, putting it all together:
+38+=+2l+%2B2w+=+2%28w%2B5%29+%2B+2w
2w%2B10+%2B+2w+=+4w%2B10+=+38
4w+=+28
w+=+7
We know our width is 7.
Plug it back into w+5 =l.
l+=+7%2B5+=+highlight%2812%29
Our length is 12.
So our dimensions are 12 x 7.
Let's check this to make sure.
They say the perimeter is 38, then 12(2) + 7(2) better = 38.
24 + 14 = 38. Check.
Hope this helps!