The rectangle has a length of 2.75 feet and a width of 1.875 feet.
Here's how to write and solve a system of linear equations to find the length and width of the rectangle:
1. Define variables:
Let l be the length of the rectangle.
Let w be the width of the rectangle.
2. Write equations based on the given information:
Perimeter equation: The perimeter of a rectangle is the sum of the lengths of all sides. Therefore, the perimeter can be expressed as:
2l + 2w = 14
Width and length relationship: We know that twice the length is equal to 1 less than 4 times the width. We can write this as:
2l = 4w - 1
3. Solve the system of equations:
There are two methods to solve the system:
Method 1: Substitution:
1. Solve the second equation for l: l = (4w - 1) / 2
2. Substitute this expression for l in the first equation: 2 * ((4w - 1) / 2) + 2w = 14
3. Simplify and solve for w: 4w - 1 + 4w = 14
4. Combine like terms: 8w - 1 = 14
5. Add 1 to both sides: 8w = 15
6. Divide both sides by 8: w = 1.875
7. Substitute the value of w back into the second equation to find l: l = 2 * 1.875 - 1 = 2.75
Method 2: Elimination:
1. Multiply the second equation by 2: 4l = 8w - 2
2. Subtract the first equation from the modified second equation: 4l - (2l + 2w) = 8w - 2 - (14)
3. Simplify: 2l - 2w = -16
4. Add 2w to both sides: 2l = -16 + 2w
5. Divide both sides by 2: l = -8 + w
6. Substitute this expression for l in the first equation: 2 * (-8 + w) + 2w = 14
7. Simplify and solve for w: -16 + 2w + 2w = 14
8. Combine like terms: 4w - 16 = 14
9. Add 16 to both sides: 4w = 30
10. Divide both sides by 4: w = 7.5
11. Substitute the value of w back into the equation l = -8 + w to find l: l = -8 + 7.5 = -0.5
Both methods give the same result:
Length (l):** 2.75 feet
Width (w):** 1.875 feet
Complete the question:
The rectangle has a perimeter P of 14 feet, and twice its length l is equal to 1 less than 4 times its width w. Write and solve a system of linear equations to find the length and the width of the rectangle.