Question

the perimeter of a rectangle is 38 inches. if the length is 3 inches more than the width, find the width.
1: 17 1/2 inches
2: 8 inches
3: 11 inches
4: 9.4 inches

Explanation:

Step1: Set up variables

Let the width of the rectangle be \( w \) inches. Then the length \( l=w + 3 \) inches.
The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is \( P = 2(l + w) \). Given \( P=38 \) inches.

Step2: Substitute into the perimeter formula

Substitute \( l = w + 3 \) and \( P = 38 \) into \( P=2(l + w) \):

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Step3: Solve for \( w \)

Subtract 6 from both sides: \( 38-6=4w \), so \( 32 = 4w \).
Divide both sides by 4: \( w=\frac{32}{4}=8 \)

Answer:

8 inches