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the length of a rectangle is 5 inches longer than the width. the perimeter of the rectangle is 60 inches. what is the width of the rectangle? A. 12 , B. 12.5, C.24. D. 25 or E. 27. explain

User Eirini
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1 Answer

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The perimeter is the total of adding all of the side lengths together.

A rectangle has 2 opposite side lengths that are the same/equal to each other. So the perimeter of a rectangle is:

P = L + L + W + W or P = 2L + 2W

[P = perimeter, L = length, W = width]


L = W + 5 [the length is 5 inches longer than the width]

You can substitute (W + 5) for "L" in the equation.

P = 2L + 2W

P = 2(W + 5) + 2W

Since you know the perimeter, you can also plug it in.

60 = 2(W + 5) + 2W Multiply 2 into (W + 5)

60 = 2W + 10 + 2W

60 = 4W + 10 Subtract 10 on both sides

50 = 4W Divide 4 on both sides

12.5 = W


Your width is 12.5 inches, your answer is B

User Shanlodh
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