Solving systems of equations word problems worksheet For all problems, define variables, write the system of equations and solve for all variables.

-The length of a rectangle is equal to triple the width. Which system of equations can be used to find the dimensions of the rectangle if the perimeter is 86 centimeters?

1 answer

Let's define the variables:
Let L be the length of the rectangle.
Let W be the width of the rectangle.

The problem states that "The length of a rectangle is equal to triple the width," so we can write the equation: L = 3W.

The problem also states that "the perimeter is 86 centimeters," so we can write the equation for the perimeter: 2L + 2W = 86.

Now we have a system of equations:

L = 3W
2L + 2W = 86

To solve for all variables, we can use substitution or elimination.

Using substitution:
Substitute L in the second equation with 3W:
2(3W) + 2W = 86
6W + 2W = 86
8W = 86
W = 10.75

Substitute W in the first equation:
L = 3(10.75)
L = 32.25

The dimensions of the rectangle are:
Length = L = 32.25 centimeters
Width = W = 10.75 centimeters