Question 647761
We're looking for the width, so let's make that the unknown variable 'W'.
The length of the rectangle can be expressed as: 3 meters less than 2 times the width.

So, let's use the letter 'L' for length. L = 2W - 3

Remember a rectangle has four sides and the perimeter of any object covers all sides of the figure.

First width of rectangle = W
Second width of rectangle = W
First length of rectangle = 2W - 3
Second length of rectangle = 2W - 3

The above covers all four sides. Now, the perimeter of all of the sides is 24 meters, so we're going to be setting whatever we have equal to 24 meters.

Step 1: Set up the equation by adding all four sides and totaling it to 24 meters: 
W + W + (2W - 3) + (2W - 3) = 24 meters

Step 2: Combine like terms
2W + (4W - 6) = 24 meters

Step 3: Combine like terms
2W + 4W - 6 = 24 meters 
6W - 6 = 24 meters

Step 4: Add 6 to both sides

6W = 24 + 6
6W = 30

Step 5: Divide 6 to both sides to get "W (the width)" by itself

W (Width) = 5 meters

The width of the rectangle is 5 meters

If you want to find the length as well, just substitute 5 (our answer) in for "W" in the length equation we created at the start of the problem..
The length of the rectangle is 7 meters
 
L = 2W - 3
2(5) - 3
10 - 3
7 meters