SOLUTION: I been out of school for over 20 years and need help with a homework question. A rug is shaped like a rectangle whose perimeter is 78 ft. The length is 2 times as long as the

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Question 548043: I been out of school for over 20 years and need help with a homework question.
A rug is shaped like a rectangle whose perimeter is 78 ft. The length is 2 times as long as the width. Find the length and the width.
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
perimeter (the distance around) is two lengths plus two widths ___ P = 2L + 2W

for this rug ___ "The length is 2 times as long as the width" ___ L = 2W

since they are equal, you can substitute L for 2W in the perimeter equation

P = 2L + (L) ___ 78 = 3L ___ L = 26

substituting 26 for L ___ (26) = 2W ___ 13 = W