SOLUTION: Suppose that the width of a rectangle is 5inches shorter than the length and that the perimeter of the rectangle is 50 inches. The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is p=2L+

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: Suppose that the width of a rectangle is 5inches shorter than the length and that the perimeter of the rectangle is 50 inches. The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is p=2L+      Log On


   

Question 477122: Suppose that the width of a rectangle is 5inches shorter than the length and that the perimeter of the rectangle is 50 inches. The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is p=2L+2W. set up an equation invlving L, the length if the rectangle and slove this linear equation algebricallt to find the lenght and width.
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
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Suppose that the width of a rectangle is 5 inches shorter than the length and that the perimeter of the rectangle is 50 inches.
:
2L + 2W = 50
Simplify, divide by 2
L + W = 25
:
"the width of a rectangle is 5 inches shorter than the length"
W = L - 5
:
Replace W with (L-5) in the simplified equation
L + (L-5) = 25
2L = 25 + 5
2L = 30
L = 15 inches is the Length
then. obviously
15 - 5 = 10 in is the width
:
:
Check by finding the perimeter
2(15) + 2(10) = 50