Question

A rectangular sheet of paper has a perimeter of 60cm. When it is folded in half along its longer line of symmetry, the perimeter of the rectangle which this creates is 49cm. What are the dimensions of the original shape?

Answer 1

Dimensions of the original rectangle:

Length = 19 cm

Width = 11 cm

Explanation:

Let

Length = x

Width = y

Original rectangle:

2(Length + width) = 60

2x + 2y = 60

New rectangle has same length with original rectangle but half of the width of the original rectangle when folded

Length = x

Width = 1/2y

2(Length + 1/2width) = 49

2x + y = 49

2x + 2y = 60 (1)

2x + y = 49 (2)

Subtract (2) from (1) to eliminate x

2y - y = 60 - 49

y = 11

Substitute y = 11 into (2)

2x + y = 49

2x + 11 = 49

2x = 49 - 11

2x = 38

x = 38/2

x = 19

Dimensions of the original rectangle:

Length = 19 cm

Width = 11 cm