Question 19121
Hello There:

This problem tells us that we can express the length in terms of the width because we are told that the length is the same as the width plus 3 inches.

Let's assign a variable name to represent the unknown width.

w = width

Now we can write an expression for the length.

w + 3 = length

Substitute this expression for the length into the given formula for the perimeter.

P = 2*(w + 3) + 2*w

Use the distributive property to get rid of the parentheses.

P = 2*2 + 6 + 2*w

Combine the two terms containing the variable to simplify.

P = 4*w + 6

We are told that P = 24, so let's make that substitution now.

4*w + 6 = 24

Can you solve this equation for w?

Once you find the value of w, you get the length by adding 3.

~ Mark

P.S.  You should get the following dimensions:  9/2 inches by 15/2 inches.