SOLUTION: A basketball court is a rectangle with a perimeter of 86 meters. The length is 13 meters more than the width. Find the width and length of the basketball court. I don't know wh

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: A basketball court is a rectangle with a perimeter of 86 meters. The length is 13 meters more than the width. Find the width and length of the basketball court. I don't know wh      Log On


   

Question 104683: A basketball court is a rectangle with a perimeter of 86 meters. The length is 13 meters more than the width. Find the width and length of the basketball court.
I don't know where to start, please help.
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Start with what you know.
Court is a rectangle with width and length.
Give the variables a name.
W-width
L-length
What is the perimeter of a rectangle in terms of its width and length?
P=2L +2W
Now look at the specifics of the information you are given.
The perimeter is 86.
P=2L+2W=86
The length is 13m more than the width.
L=13+W
So now you have two equations, with two unknowns.
1. 2L%2B2W=86
2. L=13%2BW
Substitute equation 2 in equation 1 and solve for W.
1. 2L%2B2W=86
2%2A%2813%2BW%29%2B2%2AW=86
26%2B2W%2B2W=86
26%2B4W=86
26-26%2B4W=86-26
4W=60
W=15
Use this result in equation 2 to solve for L.
2. L=13%2BW
L=13%2B15
L=28
Verify your answer
2L%2B2W=86
2%2828%29%2B2%2815%29=86
56%2B30=86
86=86
Good answer.
L=28 m and W=15 m