Question

One side of a rectangle is 3 inches shorter than the other side, and the perimeter is 54 inches. Which of the following equations could be used to determine the dimensions of the rectangle

Answer 1

Let x be the longer side of the rectangle 

Side B: x-3 

Perimeter: 2(l+w) 
54"=2(x+x-3) 
54"=2(2x-3) 
54"=4x-6 
54-6=4x
48/4=x 
12=x 

Therefore the longer side is 12" and the shorter side of the rectangle is (12-3)= 9" 

Hope I helped :) 

Answer 2

2(x)+2(x-3)=54 is the equation you would use where x is one side