Pre-Algebra Questions? Define variables, write equations, and solve!

Question

5. Jethro is building a swimming pool. The swimming pool has to be exactly 27 feet wide. (Jethro's jammin friends want a lot of room to flail around when they swim.) Jethro can at most afford a perimeter of 172 feet. What are the possible lengths of the pool?

Answer 1

Jethro is building a swimming pool.

i.e. The swimming pool is rectangle.

The swimming pool has to be exactly 27 feet wide.

And perimeter is 172 feet.

Rectangle perimeter is 2(l+w)

i.e. 172 = 2 (l + w)

Substitute w = 27 in the equation.

172 = 2l + 2(27)

172 = 2l + 54

Subtract 54 from each side.

118 = 2l

Divide each side by 2.

l = 59 feet.

Therefore the possible length is 59 feet.