SOLUTION: The length of a rectangular playing field is 5 ft less than twice its width. If the perimeter of the playing field is 230 ft, find the length and width of the field.

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Question 67560This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra
: The length of a rectangular playing field is 5 ft less than twice its width.
If the perimeter of the playing field is 230 ft, find the length and width of the field.
This question is from textbook Beginning Algebra

Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Write simple equation for each statement:
:
"The length of a rectangular playing field is 5 ft less than twice its width."
L = 2W - 5
:
"If the perimeter of the playing field is 230 ft,"
2L + 2W = 230
Simplify, divide equation by 2:
L + W = 115
:
find the length and width of the field.
:
Substitute (2W-5) for L in the 2nd equation
(2W-5) + W = 115
2W + W = 115 + 5
3W = 120
W = 120/3
W = 40 ft
:
Find the length using L = 2W - 5)
L = 2(40) - 5
L = 80 - 5
L = 75 ft
:
:
Check solutions using the perimeter:
2(75) + 2(80) = 230
:
Pretty simple, right?