The dimensions of a rectangle

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Question from Elizabeth, a student:

Hi!
The perimeter of a rectangle is 20m. The area is 20sqm. Calculate the dimensions of the rectangle. Give your answers correct to two decimal places.

Thanks!

Hi Elizabeth,

Suppose the rectangle has length L metres and width W metres. The area of the rectangle is the L × W square metres and its perimeter is 2L + 2W metres. This gives you two equations you can solve for L and W.

Penny

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