Answer: (3)
Step-by-step explanation:
In this problem, we don't know the length or width. All we do know is that the length is 5 feet longer than the width, and that the perimeter is 54 feet. Both lengths plus both widths equals the perimeter. To solve this problem, you must give the width, the value of x.
Step 1: Draw a rectangle where the width is x and the length is x + 5.
Step 2: Find the sum of the lengths and the sum of the widths
2 times the length plus 2 times the width equals the perimeter
2(x + 5) + 2(x) = 54
Step 3: Solve for the width
2(x + 5) + 2(x) = 54
2x + 10 + 2x = 54 (Distributive Property)
4x + 10 = 54 (Group Like Terms)
4x = 44 (Subtraction Property of Equality)
4x/4 = 44/4
x = 11 (Division Property of Equality)
x = width = 11
Step 4: Solve for the length
x + 5 = length
11 + 5 = 16
Length = 16. So (3) must be the answer.
