Write an equation for each statement/phrase:

:

"length of a rectangular lot is 50 feet more than the width."

L = W + 50

:

I assume you know the perimeter equation:

"If the perimeter is 500 feet,"

2L + 2W = 500

: 

then what are the length and width?

:

If we could get the above equation to be a single unknown it would be easy to

solve. The 1st equation says that L = (W+50), substitute (W+50) for L in the

perimeter equation:

2(W+50) + 2W = 500

:

We can simplify this equation by dividing thru by 2, then we have:

(W+50) + W = 250; a very simple equation to solve for W

:

2W = 250 - 50

2W = 200 

W = 200/2

W = 100 ft is the width;

:

Remember: "length of a rectangular lot is 50 feet more than the width."

L = 100 + 50 

L = 150

:

Check our solutions in the perimeter equation:

2(150) + 2(100) = 500.