A rectangular yard has a width-to-length ratio of . If the distance around the yard is 1600 ft , what are the dimensions
of the yard?
The yard is wide and long.

To find the dimensions of the yard, we start by letting the width be and the length be . The perimeter formula for a rectangle is . Plugging in our expressions gives us:

This simplifies to:

Now, substituting back to find the dimensions:

Width: ft
Length: ft

So, the yard is 300 ft wide and 500 ft long!

To visualize the yard, consider that its dimensions represent a common layout you might find in many parks or backyards, supplying ample space for activities like gardening or sports. Who would’ve guessed that a simple ratio could lead to such a versatile outdoor area?

Now, while calculating the perimeter was straightforward, a common mistake might be forgetting to double the result of the width and length when calculating the perimeter. Always remember to include the multiplication by 2! It’s a good practice to double-check your formulas for shapes to avoid miscalculations.