Question

a rectangular athletic field is twice as long as it is wide. if the perimeter of the athletic field is 120 yards, what are its dimensions? the width is yards.

Explanation:

Step1: Define variables

Let the width of the field be $x$ yards. Then the length is $2x$ yards.

Step2: Use perimeter formula

The perimeter formula for a rectangle is $P = 2(l + w)$. Substituting $l = 2x$, $w=x$ and $P = 120$ into the formula, we get $120=2(2x + x)$.

Step3: Simplify the equation

First, simplify the right - hand side: $2(2x + x)=2\times3x = 6x$. So the equation becomes $6x=120$.

Step4: Solve for $x$

Divide both sides of the equation $6x = 120$ by 6: $x=\frac{120}{6}=20$.

Answer:

20