SOLUTION: The perimeter of a rectangle equeals the sum of the lengths of its four sides. If the width of a rectangle is 6 inches and its perimeter is 44 inches, find the length of the rectan

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: The perimeter of a rectangle equeals the sum of the lengths of its four sides. If the width of a rectangle is 6 inches and its perimeter is 44 inches, find the length of the rectan      Log On


   

Question 598603: The perimeter of a rectangle equeals the sum of the lengths of its four sides. If the width of a rectangle is 6 inches and its perimeter is 44 inches, find the length of the rectangle.
Answer by godsgirls(5) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First things first, write out two equations for your problem.
1: The perimeter equals 2 lengths + 2 widths. The perimeter equals 44 inches.
2l+%2B+2W+=+P
2L+%2B+2W+=+44.
2: the width is 6 inches. W=6.
Now combine the equations and simplify.
2L+%2B+2W+=+44
2L+%2B+2%286%29+=+44
2L+%2B+12+=+44

Of course, you want to find the length. So we merely get L alone on one side fo the equation - its called isolating the variable. REMEMBER: whatever you do to one side of the equation, you MUST do to the other side.
2L+%2B+12+=+44
2L+%2B+12+-+12+=+44+-+12
2L+=+44+-+12
2L+=+32
Dont forget to divide by two to get the length of one side!
2L%2F2+=+32%2F2
L+=+16
The length is 16 inches.
I hope this helps you, and good luck in your math!