Question

the perimeter of a rectangle is to be no greater than 80 centimeters and the length must be 25 centimeters. find the maximum width of the rectangle. first, understand the problem. then translate the statement into an inequality. the perimeter of the rectangle is less than or equal to 80 x + 25 + 80

Explanation:

Step1: Recall perimeter formula

The perimeter $P$ of a rectangle is $P = 2(l + w)$, where $l$ is length and $w$ is width. Given $l = 25$ and $P\leq80$. So $2(25 + w)\leq80$.

Step2: Simplify the inequality

First, distribute the 2 on the left - hand side: $50+2w\leq80$.

Step3: Solve for $w$

Subtract 50 from both sides: $2w\leq80 - 50$, so $2w\leq30$. Then divide both sides by 2: $w\leq15$.

Answer:

15 centimeters