SOLUTION: The perimeter of a rectangle is 26 inches. The length of the rectangle is 1 more than three times the width. How many inches long are the width and the length of the rectangle?

Algebra ->  Rectangles -> SOLUTION: The perimeter of a rectangle is 26 inches. The length of the rectangle is 1 more than three times the width. How many inches long are the width and the length of the rectangle?      Log On


   

Question 829080: The perimeter of a rectangle is 26 inches. The length of the rectangle is 1 more than three times the width. How many inches long are the width and the length of the rectangle?
Answer by JulietG(1812) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Think of a perimeter as a fence. How much fencing will you need to build a "perimeter fence" around your land?
You'll need 2 pieces of length and 2 pieces for the width.
2L + 2W = 26
The problem tells us that L = 3W + 1
Let's plug in that value for L.
2(3W + 1) + 2W = 26
Distribute the 2:
6W + 2 + 2W = 26
Add the Ws together:
8W + 2 = 26
Subtract 2 from each side:
8W = 24
Divide each side by 8:
W = 3
.
Now that we know the width is 3, what is the length?
"1 more than 3x the width" -- (3x3) +1, or 9+1, or 10
W = 3; L = 10.
Let's check the answer.
2 pieces of width (2*3=6) and 2 pieces for the length (2*10=20).
6 + 20 = 26.
It works :-)