SOLUTION: The width of a rectangle is 3 meters less than the length. The perimeter is 14 meters. Find the width.

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Question 123943: The width of a rectangle is 3 meters less than the length. The perimeter is 14 meters. Find the width.
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Start with the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle:
P+=+2L%2B2W
You are given that the width (W) is 3 meters less than the length, L, so W = L-3. You are also given the perimeter, P = 14 meters. Making the appropriate substitutions into the formula, you'll get:
14+=+2L+%2B+2%28L-3%29 Simplify and solve for L
14+=+2L+%2B+2L+-+6 Combine like-terms.
14+=+4L-6 Add 6 to both sides.
20+=+4L Divide both sides by 4.
5+=+L The length is 5 meters.
W+=+L-3
W+=+5-3
W+=+2meters.
The width is 2 meters.
Check:
P+=+2L%2B2W
P+=+2%285%29%2B2%282%29
P+=+10%2B4
P+=+14meters.