Let the width of the rectangle be $w$ cm. Then the length of the rectangle is $2w$ cm.

Formula for the perimeter of a rectangle:

$\text{Perimeter} = 2(\text{Length} + \text{Width})$

Substitute the values: $48 = 2(2w + w)$

Simplify the equation: $48 = 2(3w)$ $48 = 6w$

Solve for $w$: $w = \frac{48}{6} = 8$

Final Answer:

The width of the rectangle is 8 cm.

Would you like further explanation or assistance with related problems?

Related Questions:

1. What is the length of the rectangle in this problem?
2. How would the problem change if the perimeter were 60 cm instead?
3. What would the area of the rectangle be in this problem?
4. If the width were increased by 2 cm, what would the new perimeter be?
5. How can this concept be extended to solving for unknown dimensions in a parallelogram?

Tip:

Always double-check your work by plugging the solution back into the original formula!