Find the width with unknown quantities

7/9/2016 17:45:41

   

cmorton557
Point: 4
New Member

The length of a rectangular label is 3 centimeters less than twice the width. The perimeter is 54 centimeters. Find the Width. Define your work with the unknown quantities in terms of variable. Please help. I don't even know where to begin.

7/29/2017 17:19:23

   

Yang
Point: 148
Junior Member

2 * width = length - 3
2 * width + 2 * length = 54 cm

that means:
2w = L - 3
=>
w = (L - 3)/2
=>
((L-3)/2) * 2 + L * 2 = 54
=>
L - 3 + 2L = 54
L + 2L = 57
3L = 57
L = 57 / 3