Answer:
The length is 83 meters. The width is 57 meters.
Explanation:
We have two unknowns, the length and the width.
Let L = length.
The width is 26 meters less than the length, so the width is L - 26.
The perimeter of a rectangle is the sum of two lengths and two widths.
P = L + L + W + W
Now we replace P with the given perimeter; L remains L ans the unknown; we replace W with L - 26.
280 = L + L + L - 26 + L - 26
We solve for L.
280 = 4L - 52
332 = 4L
4L = 332
L = 83
The length is 83 meters.
The width is 26 meters less than the length, so
W = L - 26 = 83 - 26 = 57
The width is 57 meters.
Check: Add two lengths and two widths and see if you get 280 meters.
83 m + 83 m + 57 m + 57 m = 280 m
Also, check the difference: 83 m - 57 m = 26 m
Both conditions are true, so our answer is correct.