Question

The perimeter of a rectangle is 53 inches. The combined length of the two shorter sides is 18 inches. What is the length of each of the longer sides? Complete the sentences to write an equation to model this problem.

Answer 1

17.5 in

Explanation:

Step one:

given

The perimeter of a rectangle is 53 inches

let the two shorter sides be the width w

so w+w= 18in

the two longer sides is L

L+L=2l

Step two:

but the expression for the perimeter of a rectangle is

P=2W+2L

53= 18+2L

53-18=2L

35=2L

divide both sides by 1

L=35/2

L=17.5