Question

The perimeter of an ICU ward, that is rectangular in shape, is 258 feet. The width is 37 feet less than the length. Find the dimensions of this ward.

length(ft)=
width(ft)=

Answer 1

Length = 83 ft

Width = 46 ft

Explanation:

Rectangular perimeter = 2(length + width)

In this case:

258 = 2(length + width) Eq. 1

width = length - 37 Eq. 2

From Eq. 1:

258/2 = length + width

129 = length + width Eq. 3

Replacing Eq. 2 in Eq. 3

129 = length + (length-37)

129 + 37 = 2 length

166 = 2 length

166/2 = length

length = 83 ft

From Eq. 2:

width = length - 37

width = 83 -37

width = 46 ft

Check:

from Eq. 1:

258 = 2(width + length)

258 = 2(46 + 83)

258 = 2(129)

Answer 2

Answer: length = 83, width= 46

Step-by-step explanation: 1. let's call the unknown dimensions x. We know that the formula for perimeter is 2(length) +2(width) so we can substitute.
2. After substituting, the equation should be 2(x) + 2(x-37)=258
3. Distribute. 2x+2x-74=258

4. Simplify. 4x-74=258

5. add 74 to both sides. 4x=332

6. x=83

7. We know that x was the length. The width was 37 less than the length (83). 83-37 is 46. So the length is 83, and the width is 46.