SOLUTION: I was wondering how I can translate this word problem into algebraic expression: A rectangle has a perimeter of 20.0m. Given that it's length is 3.00 times it's breadth, find th

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Question 946478: I was wondering how I can translate this word problem into algebraic expression:
A rectangle has a perimeter of 20.0m. Given that it's length is 3.00 times it's breadth, find the breadth and it's area.
Answer by macston(5194) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let W=Width; Let L=Length=3W; Let P=Perimeter=2(L+W)=20m; Area=L*W
Substitute for L in perimeter equation to get an equation you can solve for W:
P=2(L+W)
20m=2(3W+W)
20m=2(4W)
20m=8W
2.5m=W ANSWER 1 Width (breadth)=2.5m
Here we can find the area using width, or continue to find length (see after --OR-- below)
AREA: METHOD 1:
Area=L*W Substitute for L
Area=3W*W
Area=3W%5E2 Plug in value for W from above
Area=3%282.5m%29%5E2
Area=3%286.25sqm%29
Area=18.75 sq m ANSWER 2: Area is 18.75 square meters

--OR--
AREA: METHOD 2:
Substitute W value in perimeter equation to find length(L):
P=2(L+W)
20m=2(L+2.5m)
20m=2L+5.0m Subtract 3m from each side
15m=2L Divide each side by 2
7.5m=L
Find Area:
Area=L*W=7.5m*2.5m=18.75 sq m.ANSWER 2: Area is 18.75 square meters