Question

The length of a rectangle is 8 inches more than its width. The perimeter is 52 inches. Determine the length of the rectangle.

Answer 1

First, let the rectangle's width be w. With this representation, its length becomes w + 8. The perimeter of the rectangle is calculated through the formula,
P = 2L + 2W
where L and W are length and width, respectively. Substituting the known values,
52 inches = 2(w + 8) + 2w
The value of w from the equation is equal to 9. The length of the rectangle, w + 8 = 9 + 8 = 17. The length is 17 inches.

Answer 2

P = 2(L+W)
L = 8+W
P = 52 inches
52 = 2(L+W)
52 = 2(8+W+W)
52 = 2(8+2W)
52 = 16+4W
52-16 = 4W
36 = 4W
W = 9 inches
L = 8+W
L = 8+9
L = 17 inches