Question

Suppose you need to put a fence around a rectangular garden that has a perimeter of 46 ft. The width, w, is 3 feet less than the length, l. Find the length and width of the garden.

Answer 1

Explanation:

Formula

P=2L + 2w

Givens

L = x

w = x - 3

P = 46

Solution

P = 2*L + 2*w Substitute for L and w with x values

P = 2*x + 2*(x - 3) Remove the brackets

P = 2*x + 2x - 6 Combine

P = 4x - 6 Substitute 46 for P

46 = 4x - 6 Add 6 to both sides

46+6 = 4x -6+6 Combine

52 = 4x Divide both sides by 4

52/4 = 4x/4

13 = x

Answer

Length = 13

Width = 10 10 is three less than 13