Question

The length of a rectangular tabletop is 18 inches more than the width. The perimeter is 244 inches. What is the width of the tabletop?

Answer 1

52 inches.

Explanation:

We know that the perimeter of a rectangle is equivalent to twice the width plus twice the length.

`P = 2w+2l`

Since the length is 18 more then the width, we can rewrite `l` as `(w+18).` Plug in that in place of `l` and plug in 244 for the perimeter, and you can solve for the width.

`244 = 2w + 2(w+18)`

Distribute:

`244 = 2w + 2w+36`

Combine like terms:

`244 = 4w + 36`

Subtract 36 from each side:

`208 = 4w`

Divide each side by 4:

`52 = w`

Answer 2

`52" "`inches

Explanation:

for a rectangle

`l=`length, `w=`width

perimeter`" "P=2(l+w)`

we have `" "l=w+18`

`:.244=2(w+18+w)`

`122=2w+18`

`w=(122-18)/2=52" inches"`