SOLUTION: The lenth of a retangular garden is 2ft less than3 times its width. If the perimeter of the garden is 44ft, find the dimensions of the garden. I am struggling with this one as

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: The lenth of a retangular garden is 2ft less than3 times its width. If the perimeter of the garden is 44ft, find the dimensions of the garden. I am struggling with this one as      Log On


   

Question 82824: The lenth of a retangular garden is 2ft less than3 times its width. If the perimeter of the garden is 44ft, find the dimensions of the garden.

I am struggling with this one as story problems are my weak point for some reason can someone please help?
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Well, you can start with what is given:
The perimeter, P, of the rectangular garden is 44 feet.
The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is: P = 2L + 2W where L is the length and W is the width.
You are told that the length L = 3W-2 (Two feet less than 3 times the width).
So, in the formula, replace L with 3W-2 and solve for W.
P+=+2L+%2B+2W Substitute P = 144 and L = 3W-2
144+=+2%283W-2%29+%2B+2W Perform the indicated operations.
144+=+6W-4%2B2W Simplify.
144+=+8W-4 Add 4 to both sides.
148+=+8W Divide both sides by 8
W+=+18.5 Feet. This is the width.
L+=+3%2818.5%29-2
L+=+55.5-2
L+=+53.5feet. This is the length.
Check:
2L+%2B+2W+=+144?
2%2853.5%29+%2B+2%2818.5%29+=+144?
107+%2B+37+=+144?
144+=+144 OK!