Final answer:
To solve the problem, set up an equation using the given information. Find the equations for the perimeter and substitute the values. Solve the equation to determine the width, and then find the length by multiplying the width by the given ratio.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the problem, we can set up an equation using the information given. Let's say the width of the rectangle is x ft. According to the problem, the length is three times as long as the width, so the length would be 3x ft.
The perimeter of a rectangle is given by the formula: perimeter = 2(length + width). Plugging in the values, we get: 24 = 2(3x + x).
Simplifying the equation, we have: 24 = 8x. Divide both sides by 8 to solve for x: x = 3.
Therefore, the length of the rectangle is 3 times the width, which means the length is 9 ft.