Question

The length of a rectangle is 3 inches more than its width. If the perimeter is 42 inches, write an equation that can be used to find the dimensions of the rectangle. (Let x= the width of the rectangle.)

Answer 1

To find the dimensions of the rectangle, we can use the equation P = 2(L + W), where P is the perimeter, L is the length, and W is the width. Solving the equation gives us the dimensions of the rectangle: width = 9 inches and length = 12 inches.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the dimensions of the rectangle, we can set up an equation based on the information given. Let x be the width of the rectangle.

The length of the rectangle is 3 inches more than its width, so the length can be written as x+3.

The perimeter of a rectangle is given by the formula P = 2(L + W), where P is the perimeter, L is the length, and W is the width.

Substituting the given values, we have 42 = 2(x + (x+3)), which simplifies to 42 = 2(2x+3).

Dividing both sides of the equation by 2, we get 21 = 2x+3.

Then, subtracting 3 from both sides, we have 18 = 2x.

Finally, dividing both sides by 2, we find that x = 9.

Therefore, the width of the rectangle is 9 inches and the length is 9+3 = 12 inches.