SOLUTION: a) Set up an equation for the perimeter involving only L, the length of the rectangle. Suppose that the width of a rectangle is 5 inches shorter than the length and that the perime

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: a) Set up an equation for the perimeter involving only L, the length of the rectangle. Suppose that the width of a rectangle is 5 inches shorter than the length and that the perime      Log On


   

Question 89377: a) Set up an equation for the perimeter involving only L, the length of the rectangle. Suppose that the width of a rectangle is 5 inches shorter than the length and that the perimeter of the rectangle is 50.
b)Solve this equation algebraically to find the length of the rectangle. Find the width as well
Answer by checkley75(3666) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
2L+2W=50 & W=L-5 THUS WE SUBSTITUTE (L-5) FOR W & SOLVE THE FIRST EQAUTION:
2L+2(L-5)=50
2L+2L-10=50
4L=50+10
4L=60
L=60/4
L=15 IS THE LENGTH OF THE RECTANGLE.
W=15-5
W=10
PROOF:
2*15+2*10=50
30+20=50
50=50