Question

In your rectangular backyard, you know the width of the yard is three less than four times the length. If the perimeter of your yard is 24 yards, what is the width?

Answer 1

Answer: 9 yards

Explanation:

Let's make equations to represent each situation.

The first equation says that the width is 3 less than 4 times the length, so let's put that into an equation:

`w=4l-3`

Next, we can use the perimeter equation that
`P=2l+2w`. Since we know the perimeter is 24 yards, we can replace it for P.

`24=2l+2w`

Now that we have two equations with two variables, we can use either elimination or substitution to solve them. Since w is already solved for in the first equation, let's plug it in the second equation.

`24=2l+2(4l-3)\\ 12=l+4l-3\\ 12=5l-3\\ 15=5l\\ l=3`

Now, let's put l back into the first equation to solve for w.

`w=4(3)-3\\ w=12-3\\ w=9`

The width is 9 yards