Question

The perimeter of a rectangle is 36 yards. The width is 18 yards less than twice the length. Find the length and the width of the rectangle

Answer 1

The formula for perimeter is P = 2L + 2W.

 Here W = 2L-18 and 2L + 2W = 36.  Subst. 2L-18 for W:

2L + 2(2L-18) = 36.  Then 6L - 36 = 36, and 6L = 72.   Therefore, L = 12 yd.

W = 2(12 yd) - 18 yd = 24 yd - 18 yd = 6 yd

The rectangle's dimensions are 6 yd (width) by 12 yd (length).

Note that P = 2(6) + 2(12) = 36, as required.