SOLUTION: The perimeter of a rectangle is 36 ft. The length is 2 ft longer than the width. Find the dimensions. Write a system of linear equations and solve the resulting system. Let x be th

Algebra ->  Graphs -> SOLUTION: The perimeter of a rectangle is 36 ft. The length is 2 ft longer than the width. Find the dimensions. Write a system of linear equations and solve the resulting system. Let x be th      Log On


   

Question 432486: The perimeter of a rectangle is 36 ft. The length is 2 ft longer than the width. Find the dimensions. Write a system of linear equations and solve the resulting system. Let x be the length and y be the width.
I am no good at graphing can someone help please?
Answer by J2R2R(94) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The perimeter is x + y + x + y = 2(x + y) = 36 ……………………………(1)

We know that x = y + 2 so substituting this for x in (1) we have

2(y + 2 + y) = 36 …………………………………………………………………………(2)

Rearranging (2) we have 4y + 4 = 36 or 4y = 32 giving y = 8

So if the width is 8 ft and the length is 8 ft + 2 ft = 10 ft, we have a rectangle with a length 10 ft and a width 8 ft.

Go all the way round and you have 10 ft + 8 ft + 10 ft + 8 ft = 36 ft