Rectangle Perimeter Problem: Finding X When Perimeter = 28 and Width = 11

Rectangle Perimeter with Variable Dimensions

The perimeter of the rectangle below is 28.

Calculate the value of x.

AAABBBCCCDDDx11

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Find X
00:03 Opposite sides are equal in a rectangle
00:17 The perimeter of the rectangle equals the sum of its sides
00:26 Substitute appropriate values and solve for X
00:47 Collect like terms
01:01 Isolate X
01:16 And this is the solution to the problem

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

The perimeter of the rectangle below is 28.

Calculate the value of x.

AAABBBCCCDDDx11

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the given information
  • Step 2: Use the perimeter formula
  • Step 3: Solve for x x

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The problem gives us that the perimeter of the rectangle is 28, one side (length) is 11, and the other side (width) is x x .
Step 2: We'll use the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle: P=2(l+w) P = 2(l + w) . In this problem, l=11 l = 11 and w=x w = x so:

28=2(11+x) 28 = 2(11 + x)

Step 3: Divide both sides by 2 to isolate the expression inside the parentheses:

14=11+x 14 = 11 + x

Step 4: Subtract 11 from both sides to solve for x x :

x=1411=3 x = 14 - 11 = 3

Therefore, the value of x x is 3 3 .

3

Final Answer

3

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Formula: Rectangle perimeter equals two times length plus width
  • Technique: Substitute known values: 28=2(11+x) 28 = 2(11 + x)
  • Check: Verify answer: 2(11+3)=2(14)=28 2(11 + 3) = 2(14) = 28

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to multiply both dimensions by 2
    Don't use P = l + w + l + w = 11 + x + 11 + x = 28! While this gives the same answer here, it's inefficient and error-prone. Always use the standard formula P = 2(l + w) to avoid calculation mistakes.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Look at the rectangle ABCD below.

Side AB is 6 cm long and side BC is 4 cm long.

What is the area of the rectangle?
666444AAABBBCCCDDD

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Which side is the length and which is the width?

+

It doesn't matter! In this problem, whether you call 11 the length or width, x will still equal 3. The perimeter formula works the same way regardless of which dimension you label as length or width.

Why do we multiply by 2 in the perimeter formula?

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Because a rectangle has 4 sides: 2 lengths and 2 widths. Instead of adding all four sides separately, we use P=2(l+w) P = 2(l + w) as a shortcut to multiply the sum by 2.

What if I get a negative number for x?

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Check your arithmetic! In geometry problems, dimensions are always positive numbers. If you get negative, you likely made a calculation error somewhere.

Can I solve this by guessing and checking?

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You could, but it's not efficient! Using the algebraic method gives you the exact answer in just a few steps, and it works for any numbers - not just simple ones.

How do I know when to divide by 2?

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After substituting into 28=2(11+x) 28 = 2(11 + x) , you need to isolate what's in parentheses. Since it's multiplied by 2, you divide both sides by 2 to undo that operation.

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