Final answer:
To calculate the length of the longer sides of the swimming pool, we use the formula for perimeter of a rectangle and the given measurements. By substituting the known values into the formula and solving for L, we find that the length of the longer sides is 24 feet.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the length of the longer sides of the swimming pool, we must first understand that the perimeter is the total distance around the pool. If the pool is rectangular, the perimeter (P) is calculated by adding together twice the length (L) and twice the width (W): P = 2L + 2W. According to the question, the short side (width) measures 16 feet and the total perimeter is 80 feet.
Plugging in the given width and perimeter into the formula, we get: 80 = 2L + 2(16). Simplifying this, we have 80 = 2L + 32. Subtracting 32 from both sides gives us 48 = 2L, and dividing both sides by 2 gives us L = 24. Therefore, the length of the longer sides of the pool is 24 feet.