To find the width of the rectangular garden, we can use the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle, which is given by:
\[ P = 2 \times (length + width) \]
Given that the length is 3 feet and the perimeter (P) is 24 feet, we can set up the equation:
\[ 24 = 2 \times (3 + width) \]
Now, divide both sides by 2:
\[ 12 = 3 + width \]
Next, subtract 3 from both sides:
\[ width = 12 - 3 \] \[ width = 9 \]
So, the width needs to be 9 feet.