SOLUTION: The width of a rectangle is 1 meter shorter than its length. The perimeter of the rectangle is 26 meters. Find its dimensions.
Algebra ->
Rectangles
-> SOLUTION: The width of a rectangle is 1 meter shorter than its length. The perimeter of the rectangle is 26 meters. Find its dimensions.
Log On
Question 662778: The width of a rectangle is 1 meter shorter than its length. The perimeter of the rectangle is 26 meters. Find its dimensions. Answer by DrBeeee(684) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Let L = length of rectangle
Let W = width of rectangle
The perimeter, p, is given by the formula
(1) p = 2*L + 2*W
You are given two facts;
a) W = L - 1
b) p = 26
Substitute a) and b) into (1) to get
(2) 26 = 2*L + 2*(L-1) or
(3) 26 = 2*L + 2*L - 2 OR
(4) 28 = 4*L OR
(5) L = 7
Then from a) we get
(6) W = 7 - 1 or
(7) W = 6
Are this correct? Let's check, using (1).
Is (26 = 2*7 + 2*6)?
Is (26 = 14 + 12)?
Is (26 = 26)? Yes
Answer: The dimensions of the rectangle are 7m by 6m.
(