Math Problem Statement

The rectangle and the square below both have the same perimeter. What is the value of x in cm?

Solution

Let’s solve the problem step-by-step. The goal is to find the value of xx in cm, given that the rectangle and the square have the same perimeter.


Step 1: Write the formula for the perimeter of each shape

  1. Rectangle
    The perimeter of a rectangle is given by: P=2×(Length+Width)P = 2 \times (\text{Length} + \text{Width}) Here, the length is x+10x + 10 cm, and the width is 44 cm. Therefore: Prectangle=2×((x+10)+4)=2×(x+14)P_{\text{rectangle}} = 2 \times \left((x + 10) + 4\right) = 2 \times (x + 14)

  2. Square
    The perimeter of a square is given by: P=4×Side lengthP = 4 \times \text{Side length} Here, the side length is x+4x + 4 cm. Therefore: Psquare=4×(x+4)P_{\text{square}} = 4 \times (x + 4)


Step 2: Set the perimeters equal to each other

We are told that the perimeters are the same: 2×(x+14)=4×(x+4)2 \times (x + 14) = 4 \times (x + 4)


Step 3: Solve the equation

  1. Expand both sides of the equation: 2(x+14)=4(x+4)2(x + 14) = 4(x + 4) 2x+28=4x+162x + 28 = 4x + 16

  2. Simplify and collect like terms: 2816=4x2x28 - 16 = 4x - 2x 12=2x12 = 2x

  3. Solve for xx: x=122=6x = \frac{12}{2} = 6


Step 4: Verify the solution

  1. For the rectangle: Prectangle=2×(x+14)=2×(6+14)=2×20=40cmP_{\text{rectangle}} = 2 \times (x + 14) = 2 \times (6 + 14) = 2 \times 20 = 40 \, \text{cm}

  2. For the square: Psquare=4×(x+4)=4×(6+4)=4×10=40cmP_{\text{square}} = 4 \times (x + 4) = 4 \times (6 + 4) = 4 \times 10 = 40 \, \text{cm}

The perimeters match, so x=6cmx = 6 \, \text{cm} is correct.


Final Answer:

x=6cm\boxed{x = 6 \, \text{cm}}

Would you like a detailed breakdown of any step or further clarifications?


5 Related Questions:

  1. What is the area of the rectangle when x=6x = 6?
  2. What is the area of the square when x=6x = 6?
  3. How does the perimeter formula differ for other polygons, like triangles or circles?
  4. How do you solve equations with multiple variables like this one?
  5. What happens if the perimeter of the rectangle is greater than the square?

1 Math Tip:

When solving word problems, always write the formula first, substitute values, and carefully solve step by step. It helps minimize errors and ensures clarity.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Geometry
Perimeter Equations

Formulas

Perimeter of a rectangle: P = 2 × (Length + Width)
Perimeter of a square: P = 4 × Side length

Theorems

Properties of Perimeters for Rectangles and Squares

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8