The length of a rectangle is 5 inches longer than its width. The perimeter is 38. Find the dimensions of the rectangle.

Question

The length of a rectangle is 5 inches longer than its width.  The perimeter is 38.  Find the dimensions of the rectangle.

parthkohli · Answer

If the width is $x$, then the length is $x + 5$.
Use the perimeter formula - $perimeter = 2(l + w)$

parthkohli · Answer

So,$$2(x + x + 5) = 38$$Solve this equation.

anonymous · Answer

wouldnt it become 2x+2x+10=38?

anonymous · Answer

and, length=x+5 and breadth =x

anonymous · Answer

ya

parthkohli · Answer

No need to make it like that. Divide both sides by 2.

parthkohli · Answer

$$x + x + 5 = {38 \over 2} $$Etcetera.

anonymous · Answer

It can be done like that also @herbdog

parthkohli · Answer

But there's no need to add an extra step :P

anonymous · Answer

2x+2x+10=38
now subtract 10 from both sides

anonymous · Answer

becomes 2x+2x=28

anonymous · Answer

7 by 12 xD

anonymous · Answer

now 2x+2x =28
        4x =28
got it?

anonymous · Answer

@herbdog

anonymous · Answer

yes, but dont i divide 4 and 28

anonymous · Answer

yes now divide both sides by 4 and get the value of x

anonymous · Answer

you will divide both sides by 4 based on the property of equality. Therefore having x = 7.
But the question says about its sides' length so the width is now 7. Add 5 to the width to get the length. 7+5= 12 so length is equal to 12 xD

anonymous · Answer

thanks alot

anonymous · Answer

WELCOME