 |
| ||
| |||
|
| Math Central | Quandaries & Queries |
|
Question from Linda, a student: A rectangle has a perimeter of 38 feet & an area of 48 square feet. What are the dimensions of the rectangle? |
Linda, the area of a rectangle is the length (L) times the width (W). So 48 = LW.
Also, the perimeter is the distance around the rectangle. That's 38 = L + L + W + W.
Solve the second equation for L, then use that to substitute into the first equation.
That will allow you to find the value of W (you will have to factor a quadratic for this).
Finally, use that value of W to find the value of L using either equation (both will give you the same answer).
If you want to see an example of this, see Penny's example here.
Hope this helps,
Stephen La Rocque.
| ||
| ||
| ||
 |
 |
|
Math Central is supported by the University of Regina and The Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences.