Rectangle Perimeter Problem: Solve for X When Perimeter = 23 and Height = 5

Perimeter Equations with Variable Dimensions

Below is a rectangle with a perimeter of 23.

Calculate X.

XXX555

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Determine the value of X
00:03 Apply the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle - 2 X the sum of sides
00:08 Substitute the relevant values into the formula according to the given data and proceed to solve for X
00:14 Distribute the terms - multiply each factor
00:23 Isolate X
00:39 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Below is a rectangle with a perimeter of 23.

Calculate X.

XXX555

2

Step-by-step solution

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

  • Step 1: Use the formula for the perimeter of a rectangle.
  • Step 2: Substitute the given values into the equation.
  • Step 3: Solve the resulting equation for XX.
  • Step 4: Confirm the resulting value with the choices provided.

Step 1: The perimeter PP of a rectangle is given by the formula:
P=2(l+w)P = 2(l + w), where ll is the length and ww is the width.

Step 2: Substitute the known values into the formula:
23=2(5+X)23 = 2(5 + X)

Step 3: Solve for XX:

  • Divide both sides by 2:
    23=2(5+X)232=5+X23 = 2(5 + X) \Rightarrow \frac{23}{2} = 5 + X
  • Simplify 232\frac{23}{2} to get 11.511.5:
    11.5=5+X11.5 = 5 + X
  • Subtract 5 from both sides to isolate XX:
    X=11.55X = 11.5 - 5
  • Simplify to find X=6.5X = 6.5

Therefore, the length of the missing side XX is 6.56.5.

3

Final Answer

6.5

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Formula: Rectangle perimeter equals 2(length + width) or P = 2l + 2w
  • Technique: Substitute known values: 23 = 2(5 + X), then solve algebraically
  • Check: Verify P = 2(5) + 2(6.5) = 10 + 13 = 23 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to multiply both dimensions by 2
    Don't use P = length + width = 5 + X = 23, giving X = 18! This ignores that perimeter includes all four sides of the rectangle. Always use P = 2(length + width) to account for opposite sides being equal.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Look at the rectangle below.

Side DC has a length of 1.5 cm and side AD has a length of 9.5 cm.

What is the perimeter of the rectangle?

1.51.51.5AAABBBCCCDDD9.5

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do we multiply by 2 in the perimeter formula?

+

A rectangle has four sides: two lengths and two widths. Since opposite sides are equal, we have 2 × length + 2 × width, which simplifies to 2(l+w)2(l + w).

What if I get a decimal answer like 6.5?

+

Decimal answers are completely normal in geometry! Just make sure to check your work by substituting back into the original equation to verify it's correct.

Can I solve this by setting up the equation differently?

+

Yes! You can write it as 2X+2(5)=232X + 2(5) = 23 or 2X+10=232X + 10 = 23. Both methods give the same answer when solved correctly.

How do I know which side is length and which is width?

+

It doesn't matter! In rectangles, you can call either dimension length or width. The perimeter formula works the same way regardless of which label you use.

What if the perimeter was an odd number that doesn't divide evenly?

+

You might get a fraction or decimal answer, and that's perfectly fine! Real-world measurements often aren't whole numbers. Just simplify your final answer and check it.

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Rectangles questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations