Question 100464
Perimete is equal to two times the length plus two times the width
OR
{{{P=2L+2W}}}
Given: perimeter is 36 inches
plug in 36 for the P
so
{{{36=2L+2W}}}
Given: the width is 3 inches less than 1/2 the length
so
{{{W=(1/2)L-3}}}
{{{W=(L/2)-3}}}
Now plug in {{{(L/2)-3}}} for the W
so
{{{36=2L+2W}}}
{{{36=2L+2((L/2)-3)}}}
Now we can solve for L
{{{36=2L+2((L/2)-3)}}}
{{{36=2L+(2L/2)-6}}}
{{{36=2L+L-6}}}
{{{36=3L-6}}}
{{{42=3L}}}
{{{14=L}}}
So we have found the length equals 14 inches
We will use this to find the width
{{{W=(L/2)-3}}}
{{{W=(14/2)-3}}}
{{{W=7-3}}}
{{{W=4}}}
Now we have found the width equals 4 inches