Question

The perimeter of the rectangle below is 42 inches. Find the value of X.
Please help

Answer 1

x = 4

Explanation:

The opposite sides of a rectangle are congruent.

The perimeter is the sum of the 4 sides, thus

2(5x) + 2(x - 3) = 42 ← distribute parenthesis and simplify left side

10x + 2x - 6 = 42

12x - 6 = 42 ( add 6 to both sides )

12x = 48 ( divide both sides by 12 )

x = 4

Answer 2

x = 4

Explanation:

42 = 5x + 5x + ( x - 3 ) + ( x - 3 )

42 = 12x - 6

48 = 12x

x = 4

Perimeter is the length around the rectangle (or any other shape). For rectangles, it's found by adding the side lengths. In this case, it required algebra to solve for x.