The length of a rectangle is 3 m longer than its width. If the perimeter of the rectangle is 38 m , find its area.

Let's break it down! The length (L) of the rectangle can be expressed as \( W + 3 \), where \( W \) is the width. The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is \( P = 2L + 2W \). Given that the perimeter is 38 m, we can set up the equation: \[ 38 = 2(W + 3) + 2W \] Simplifying that, we get: \[ 38 = 2W + 6 + 2W \rightarrow 38 = 4W + 6 \rightarrow 32 = 4W \rightarrow W = 8 \] Now, the length is \( L = W + 3 = 11 \) m. To find the area \( A \), we use the formula \( A = L \times W \): \[ A = 11 \times 8 = 88 \text{ m}^2 \] So, the area of the rectangle is 88 square meters! To make calculations even smoother next time, remember to double-check that your dimensions fit the perimeter before moving on to the area. It's a common mistake to misinterpret the measurements, thinking the width was longer or larger than it is!