Question 208018
Let x = width of the garden
5x+7 = length of the garden


2W + 2L = P
2(x) + 2(5x+7) = 86
2x+10x + 14 = 86
12x + 14= 86
12x=72
x=72/12=6 feet  WIDTH
LENGTH = 5x+7 
LENGTH = 5*6+ 7 = 30 +7 = 37 feet


Check:
2*6 + 2*37
12 + 74 = 86 feet


For additional explanation on word problems like this, please see my website by clicking on my tutor name "Rapaljer" anywhere in algebra.com.  Look for the link on my homepage called "Basic, Intermediate, and College Algebra: One Step at a Time".  Select "Basic Algebra" and look for Chapter 1.  There are a couple of sections on Word Problems.  See also my page "MATH IN LIVING COLOR" for solutions to many of these exercises, IN COLOR!!


R^2


Dr. Robert J. Rapalje
Seminole Community College
Altamonte Springs Campus
Florida