Question

a flat rectangular piece of aluminum has a perimeter of 64 inches. the length is 10 inches longer than the width. find the width

Answer 1

The width of the piece is 11 inches

Explanation:

Let

x ----> the length of the rectangular piece of aluminum in inches

y ----> the width of the rectangular piece of aluminum in inches

we know that

The perimeter of the rectangular piece of aluminum is equal to

`P=2(x+y)`

we have

`P=64\ in`

so

`64=2(x+y)`

simplify

`32=x+y` ----> equation A

`x=y+10` ----> equation B

Solve the system by substitution

substitute equation B in equation A

`32=y+10+y`

solve for y

`32=2y+10`

`2y=32-10`

`2y=22`

`y=11`

therefore

The width of the piece is 11 inches