SOLUTION: I don't understand what to do. The perimeter of a rectangle is 40 inches. Find the dimensions if the length is 2 inches less than twice the width. Please help me solve it. I did le

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Question 917705: I don't understand what to do. The perimeter of a rectangle is 40 inches. Find the dimensions if the length is 2 inches less than twice the width. Please help me solve it. I did let steps like x=the width and 2x-2= the length but I don't know if that is correct.
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, MathTherapy:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Translate the description directly into symbolism with numbers and variables.

L for length, w for width, perimeter is 40.

2w%2B2L=40;
L=-2%2B2w.

IF those make sense, then you should know what to do from them.

Answer by MathTherapy(10552) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I don't understand what to do. The perimeter of a rectangle is 40 inches. Find the dimensions if the length is 2 inches less than twice the width. Please help me solve it. I did let steps like x=the width and 2x-2= the length but I don't know if that is correct.


You are correct!! However, you failed to create the perimeter-equation.



Width = x, and length = 2x - 2

2(width + length) = perimeter, so: 2(x + 2x - 2) = 40

2(3x - 2) = 40

Solve for x to get the width, and substitute that value into the length-value expression to obtain the length.