Answer:
First, we need to convert the width of the table from inches to feet to ensure that the units match. There are 12 inches in a foot, so:
42 inches ÷ 12 inches/foot = 3.5 feet
Let the length of the table be L feet. The perimeter is the sum of the lengths of all four sides of the rectangle, so:
2L + 2(3.5 feet) = 18 feet
Simplifying and solving for L:
2L + 7 feet = 18 feet
2L = 11 feet
L = 5.5 feet
Therefore, the length of the table is 5.5 feet.