the length of a rectangle is 5 inches longer than the width. the perimeter of the rectangle is 60 inches. what is the width of the rectangle? A. 12, B. 12.5, C. 24. D. 25 or E. 27. explain

The perimeter is the total of adding all of the side lengths together.

A rectangle has 2 opposite side lengths that are the same/equal to each other. So the perimeter of a rectangle is:

P = L + L + W + W or P = 2L + 2W

[P = perimeter, L = length, W = width]

L = W + 5 [the length is 5 inches longer than the width]

You can substitute (W + 5) for "L" in the equation.

P = 2L + 2W

P = 2 (W + 5) + 2W

Since you know the perimeter, you can also plug it in.

60 = 2 (W + 5) + 2W Multiply 2 into (W + 5)

60 = 2W + 10 + 2W

60 = 4W + 10 Subtract 10 on both sides

50 = 4W Divide 4 on both sides

12.5 = W

Your width is 12.5 inches, your answer is B