SOLUTION: The perimeter of a rectangle is one more than twice it's width. If the perimeter is 74inches, find the dimensions of the rectangle. I have tried to us this: Given: p=2w+1, p=74, 2

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Geometry -> SOLUTION: The perimeter of a rectangle is one more than twice it's width. If the perimeter is 74inches, find the dimensions of the rectangle. I have tried to us this: Given: p=2w+1, p=74, 2      Log On

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Question 147046: The perimeter of a rectangle is one more than twice it's width. If the perimeter is 74inches, find the dimensions of the rectangle.
I have tried to us this: Given: p=2w+1, p=74, 2p+2l=74. Find: p=perimeter, and w=width. Equation:P=2l+2w. Work: P=2l+2W. 74=2l+2W: 74=2w+1. 73=2w. w=36.5.
74=2l+2*36.5. 74=2l+73. 1=2L.1=L. Length=1 inch. Width=36.5inches.
My friends say I am wrong. The width CAN NOT be longer than the length. Are they correct? If so, then what are the correct answers? If the answers are correct, but the problem is wrong. How would the problem be changed to make it right?

Found 2 solutions by edjones, 24HoursTutor.com:
Answer by edjones(8007) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
P=2w+2L
P=2w+1
so 2L=1
L=1/2 inch
2w + (2 * 1/2)=74
2w=73
w=36.5 inches
.
Ed

Answer by 24HoursTutor.com(40) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The perimeter of a rectangle can be found out using the following :
Perimeter = 2(Length + Breadth)
We are given that :
Perimeter = 1 + 2b
And also that the perimeter is 74 so we can solve for width :
74 = 1 + 2b
2b=74-1
2b=73
b=73/2
b=36.5
Now substituting the width in the first equation we can proceed to find out the length :
74 = 2(l + 36.5)
74= 2l + 2x36.5
74=2l + 73
74-73=2l
l=1/2
Length = 0.5
Ans.: The dimensions of the rectangle are length = 0.5 cm and width = 36.5 cm. There is no rule which says that the length has to be greater than the width.
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