The length of a rectangle is 5 inches longer than the width. the perimeter of the rectangle is 60 inches. what is the width of the rectangle? a. 12 , b. 12.5, c.24. d. 25 or e. 27. explain

The perimeter is the total of adding all of the side lengths together.

A rectangle has 2 opposite side lengths that are the same/equal to each other. So the perimeter of a rectangle is:

P = L + L + W + W    or    P = 2L + 2W  

[P = perimeter, L = length, W = width]

L = W + 5   [the length is 5 inches longer than the width]

You can substitute (W + 5) for "L" in the equation.

P = 2L + 2W

P = 2(W + 5) + 2W

Since you know the perimeter, you can also plug it in.

60 = 2(W + 5) + 2W   Multiply 2 into (W + 5)

60 = 2W + 10 + 2W

60 = 4W + 10   Subtract 10 on both sides

50 = 4W   Divide 4 on both sides

12.5 = W

Your width is 12.5 inches, your answer is B

a.

step-by-step explanation:

step 1 distribute 2 to every term in the parentheses

step 2 add 10 on both sides of the equal sign