Answer:
length = 6 feet
width = 4 feet
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the dimensions of the rectangle, you can set up a variable and an expression that will equal the perimeter of the figure. Given l = length, width is '8 feet less than twice the length' or w = 2l - 8.
The general formula for perimeter of a rectangle is:
2w + 2l = P, where w = width and l = length
Using the variable and expression from above and the perimeter of 20 feet:
2(2l - 8)+ 2l = 20
distribute: 4l - 16 + 2l = 20
combine like terms: 6l - 16 = 20
add 16 to both sides: 6l - 16 + 16 = 20 + 16 or 6l = 36
divide and solve for 'l': 6l/6 = 36/6, or l = 6 feet
solve for 'w': w = 2(6) - 8 or w = 12 - 8 = 4 feet
