Stanley is building a rectangular fence with 44 feet of fencing. If the width is two less than half the length, what is the width of the fence? Write an equation and solve.

The width of the fence measures 6 feet

Step-by-step explanation:

Firstly, we assign variables.

Let the width of the fence be represented by w and the length by l

Now let's get what the length would be. width is 2 less than half length

w = l/2 - 2

or simply l/2 = w + 2

which is same as l = 2 (w + 2)

Now the perimeter of the fencing is 44. The perimeter of a rectangle can be calculated using the formula

P = 2 (l + w)

Now let's insert what we have:

P = 44 and l = 2 (w + 2)

44 = 2 (2 (w+2) + w)

44 = 2 (2w + 4 + w)

44 = 2 (3w + 4)

44 = 6w + 8

6w = 44-8

6w = 36

w = 36/6

w = 6 feet