Question

How do I solve this word problem?

The perimeter of a rectangle is 160 ft. One fourth the length is the same as twice the width. Find the dimensions of the rectangle.

Answer 1

consider the length as X and the width as Y . Substitute them for both conditions to get simultaneous linear equations :)

Answer 2

.25L = 2W

Start by dividing both sides by .25

Answer 3

L = 8W?

Answer 4

yes you're right there

Answer 5

now apply that in the formula for the perimeter

Answer 6

Correct!

So L=1 unit and W=8 units.

So if A =L*W, then L=A/W

Answer 7

You don't have the area given. You have the perimeter .. the perimeter P=2L+2W

Answer 8

You're right. Hold on, I'm being distracted to your detriment, and I apologize.

Answer 9

wait im confused.

Answer 10

yes L=8W is correct

Answer 11

now perimeter P = 160 = 2L + 2W .. use L=8W and and find L . Then find W

Answer 12

Okay, I'm back.

Now we know that L is 8 units and W is 1 unit, so the sum of 2 sides must be 9 units. It follows that all 4 sides must be 18 units.

So dividing the perimeter by 18 gives you the length of 1 unit, and caution: It is NOT a nice neat number! :-)

So the W will be equal to 1 unit and the L will be equal to 8 units.