Question

The length of a rectangular cement patio is 3 feet less than three times the width. The sum of the length and width of the patio is 21 feet. Find the length of the patio.

Answer 1

Answer: The length is 15 feet.

Explanation:

• L = 3w - 3 (length is 3 feet less than three times the width)
• 21 = w + (3w -3)
• 21 = 4w - 3 (add like terms)
• 24 = 4w (substract 3 from both sides)
• 6 = w <-- width

But, the problem is asking for the length...

• L = 3w - 3
• L = 3(6) - 3
• L = 18 - 3
• L = 15 ft