How would you do this problem? :
the length is 3 more than the width. the perimeter of the figure is less than 52. put this in an equation, solve the equation, and describe the dimension.

L = 3 + w

2(L+w) < 52.  Substitute the first equation into inequality

2(3 + w +w) < 52
2(3+2w) < 52      Divide both sides by 2
3 + 2w  < 26
2w < 26-3
2w < 23
w < 23/2
w < 11.5

Recall, L = 3+w.
w < 11.5  Add 3 to both sides.
w+3 < 11.5 +3
L < 14.5.

The width is less than 11.5, and the length is less than 14.5.