Final answer:
The expression P = 2l + 2w represents the perimeter of a rectangle. For a given length and width, this is used to calculate the sum of all four sides. Scale proportions are used to maintain consistent measurements across different units.
Step-by-step explanation:
The perimeter of a rectangular tablecloth can be represented by the expression P = 2l + 2w, where l denotes the length and w denotes the width of the tablecloth. This formula adds together the lengths of all four sides of the rectangle.
For example, if you have a town square with a length of 39.2 meters and a width of 17.5 meters, the perimeter would be calculated as follows: P = 2(39.2) + 2(17.5), which equals 78.4 + 35, giving a perimeter of 113.4 meters.
When dealing with scale drawings or models, proportions such as Length = 1/50 = 0.5/5 help to calculate dimensions in different units. It is essential to use proportions correctly to maintain the scale of length and width consistently.
To emphasize the importance of units in geometry, consider that the perimeter of a square with side length a is expressed as 4a with units of length (e.g., meters), while the area is a², with units of area (e.g., square meters).