SOLUTION: The length of a rectangular swimming pool is 15 feet longer than the width. If the perimeter is 82 feet, then what are the length and width? What variables would be used to define

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: The length of a rectangular swimming pool is 15 feet longer than the width. If the perimeter is 82 feet, then what are the length and width? What variables would be used to define      Log On


   

Question 890390: The length of a rectangular swimming pool is 15 feet longer than the width. If the perimeter is 82 feet, then what are the length and width?
What variables would be used to define the length and width?
What is the system of equations for this problem?
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Which way to choose the variables is YOUR choice. Assign them in a way that seems sensible.

The described swimming pool has a dimension of length and a dimension of width. You need to assign a variable to each; one dimension is given as related to the other dimension.

The description begins as {length}=15+{width}.
The perimeter is then given so that you have 2*{length}+2{width}=82.

You would not want to keep writing those words for the dimensions. You want to assign meaningful variables to each. Now, YOU PICK the variables.