SOLUTION: The perimeter of a rectangle is 114 centimeters. If the ratio of its width to its length is 7 to 12, find the dimenŽsions of the rectangle.

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Question 56496This question is from textbook Algerbra for College Students
: The perimeter of a rectangle is 114 centimeters. If the ratio of its width to its length is 7 to 12, find the dimenŽsions of the rectangle. This question is from textbook Algerbra for College Students

Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
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The perimeter of a rectangle is 114 centimeters. If the ratio of its width to it's length is 7 to 12, find the dimensions of the rectangle.
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That means that 7L = 12W
Using that equation:
7L = 12W
L = (12/7)W
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We know 2L + 2W = 114
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Substitute (12/7)W for L:
:
2(12/7)W + 2W = 114
:
(24/7)W + 2W = 114
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Mult equation by 7 to get rid of that annoying denominator:
24W + 14W = 798
38W = 798
W = 798/38
W = 21 cm is the width
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Remember L = (12/7)W
L = 12/7 * 21
L = 12 * 3
L = 36 cm is the length
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Check by reducing the fraction: 21/36 = 7/12