The width of a rectangle is 7 inches less than the length. the perimeter is 34 inches. find the length and the width.

W=width; L = length

2 (L-7) + 2L = 34

I put everything in terms of the length so that I'm able to figure out atleast one of the sides quicker than guessing and checking.

2L-14 + 2L = 34; I used distributive property on the parenthesis and I'm about to add like terms.

4L=48

L=12

We know that the length is 12, and we know that the width is 7 inches less, so it is 5.

Now let's check.

5+5+12+12 = 34

10+24=34

34=34

The length is 12 inches and the width is 5 inches.