Question

The perimeter of a rectangle is 36 ft. The length is 6 ft longer than the width. Find the dimensions. write a system of linear equations and solve the resulting system. let x be the length and y be the width.

Answer 1

Please express the perimeter of a rectangle in terms of its length (x) and width (y).

Answer 2

2x+2y=36

Answer 3

Very good.

Now, translate this:

" The length is 6 ft longer than the width. "

In terms of x and y.

Answer 4

y=x+6

Answer 5

I really hate these variable names. How do you remember which is length and which is width? It would be so much easier if L = Length and W = Width.

Anyway, we have x = length. This is the side of greater measure. We also have y = width.

If x is already greater than y, by definition, how does x+6 compare to y?

Answer 6

lower

Answer 7

x > y -- x is greater
x + 6 >> y -- x+6 is WAY greater!

So, y = x+6 is no good. You should have x = y+6. y is shorter. You must increase the shorter by 6 to make them equal.

Answer 8

w=6 and L=12

Answer 9

That is indeed one 6 greater than the other. Does it work in the perimeter formula?

Answer 10

thats the answer i got for it all i get confused with this

Answer 11

We have:

2x + 2y = 36

and

x = y+6

Can you find a simultaneous solution?