Question 212902
Let x = width of the deck
x+3 = length of the deck



2W + 2L = Perimeter
2x + 2(x+3)=54
2x +2x+6=54
4x+6=54
4x=48
x=12  Width
x+4= 16  Length


Check:  
2W+2L=P
2*12 + 2*16
24+32
56


If you need an informal explanation of Word Problems, together with examples, exercises and answers, please see my own website. Do a "Bing" search for my last name "Rapalje" and look for "Rapalje Homepage" near the top of the search list. Click on the link "Basic, Intermediate and College Algebra: One Step at a Time" near the top of my Homepage. Select "Basic Algebra", and look in "Chapter 1" for the topics "Word Problems". Also, check out my "MATH IN LIVING COLOR" pages on this topic to see solutions to a lot of these problems, IN COLOR of course! 


R^2 


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