<PRE><B>Question 188109</B>
Start with the formula for the perimeter (P) of a rectangle:
P = 2(L+W) where L = length and W = width.
The problem states that the length (L) is 7 feet more than the width (W) and you can express this as: L = W+7.
The problem also states that the perimeter (P) is 86 feet so you can write: P = 86.
Making these substitutions into the formula, you get:
86 = 2((W+7)+W) Simplify this.
86 = 2(2W+7) Divide both sides by 2.
43 = 2W+7 Subtract 7 from both sides.
36 = 2W Finally, divide both sides by 2.
18 = W or W = 18 feet.
The length, L = W+7, so L = 18+7 = 25 feet.
The length is 25 feet and the width is 18 feet.
Check:
P = 2(L+W) Substitute L = 25 and W = 18.
P = 2(25+18)
P = 2(43)
P = 86 feet.</PRE>