Question

The length of a rectangle is 3 in longer than its width.

If the perimeter of the rectangle is 42 in, find its area

Answer 1

The first task in a word problem is to translate it into symbols.

First, give a name to each quantity:

Let w be the width of the rectangle

Notice the length = w+3

Let a be the area of the rectangle

Let p be the perimeter of the rectangle

Next, write down formulas relating the quantities

Explanation:

a = w * (w+3)

p = 2w + 2(w+3)

We know p = 42, so

42 = 2w + 2(w+3)

im sure you know how to simplify and solve for w:

42 = 4w + 6

4w = 36

w = 9

now you’re ready to attack the area

a = w * (w+3) = 9 * (9+3)

can you take it from there?