SOLUTION: please explain how to answer this word problem.....the length of a rectangle is 3 feet less than twice the width of the rectangle. If the perimeter of the rectangle is 174 feet, wh

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: please explain how to answer this word problem.....the length of a rectangle is 3 feet less than twice the width of the rectangle. If the perimeter of the rectangle is 174 feet, wh      Log On


   

Question 894369: please explain how to answer this word problem.....the length of a rectangle is 3 feet less than twice the width of the rectangle. If the perimeter of the rectangle is 174 feet, what is the width and the length?
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First, write the equation for the perimeter of a rectangle,
P=2%28L%2BW%29=174
L%2BW=87
.
.
.
Now write the relationship between length and width,
L=2W-3
Substitute this value into the perimeter equation and solve for W.
%282W-3%29%2BW=87
3W=90
W=30feet
Now,
L=2%2830%29-3
L=60-3
L=57feet