# perimeter word problem

• September 17th 2011, 08:13 AM
VonNemo19
perimeter word problem
The perimeter of a rectangle is 42 feet. If the width of the rectangle is 6 feet less than the length, find the demensions of the rectangle.

I'm having trouble setting this up. Help?
• September 17th 2011, 08:15 AM
TKHunny
Re: perimeter word problem
Name Stuff!

W = Width of Rectangle
L = Length of Rectangle

Now translate!

"The perimeter of a rectangle is 42 feet." -- Say that in terms of L and W
"the width of the rectangle is 6 feet less than the length" -- Say that in terms of L and W

Seriously... WRITE DOWN clear and concise definitions. They WILL save you.
• September 17th 2011, 08:16 AM
Prove It
Re: perimeter word problem
Quote:

Originally Posted by VonNemo19
The perimeter of a rectangle is 42 feet. If the width of the rectangle is 6 feet less than the length, find the demensions of the rectangle.

I'm having trouble setting this up. Help?

You are told $\displaystyle w = l - 6$, and you should know that $\displaystyle P = 2l + 2w$ with $\displaystyle P= 42$.

So that means $\displaystyle 2l + 2(l - 6) = 42$. Solve for $\displaystyle l$, then use this to solve for $\displaystyle w$.