Question

Write and solve an equation for the situation.

The perimeter of a parallelogram is 56 meters. The width of the parallelogram is 8 meters less than its length. Find the length and the width of the parallelogram.

Answer 1

The width is 10 meters and the length is 18 meters

Explanation:

P = 2( l+w)

56 = 2(l+w)

w = l-8

Substitute for w in the perimeter equation

56 = 2( l+l-8)

Combine like terms

56 = 2 ( 2l-8)

Divide each side by 2

56/2 = 2/2( 2l-8)

28 = 2l-8

Add 8 to each side

28+8 = 2l-8+8

36 = 2l

Divide by 2

36/2 = 2l/2

18 = l

Now find w

w = l-8

w = 18-8

w = 10