Question

The perimeter (distance around the shape) of a rectangle is 40 cm. The length is 14 cm.

Let x = width of the rectangle.

Ravi says he can find the width using the equation 2(x + 14) = 40.
Fran says she can find the width using the equation 2x + 28 = 40.

Answer the questions to solve the equations and to compare the steps and solutions.

3. Solve Ravi's equation, 2(x + 14) = 40, to find the width of the rectangle.

Answer 1

To solve Ravi's equation, 2(x + 14) = 40, distribute the 2, subtract 28, and divide by 2 to find the width of the rectangle.

the width of the rectangle is 6 cm.

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve Ravi's equation, 2(x + 14) = 40, we need to simplify it and then solve for the width (x). Here are the steps:

1. Distribute the 2 to both terms inside the parentheses: 2x + 28 = 40.
2. Subtract 28 from both sides of the equation: 2x = 40 - 28 = 12.
3. Divide both sides of the equation by 2: x = 12/2 = 6.

Therefore, the width of the rectangle is 6 cm.

Answer 2

2(x +14) = 40 (use the distributive property)

2x + 28 = 40 (solve exactly like you did for Fran)

2x = 12

x = 6