Question: The ratio between the perimeter and the breadth of a rectangle is 5 : 1. If the area of the rectangle is 216 sq. cm, what is the length of the rectangle?
Solution:
Let the length of the rectangle = L cm
Let the breadth of the rectangle = B cm
Given that,
Ratio of perimeter to breadth = 5 : 1
Area of the rectangle = 216 cm2
Perimeter of rectangle = 2(L + B)
So, according to the ratio,
⇒ 2(L + B)/B = 5/1
⇒ 2(L + B) = 5B
⇒ 2L + 2B = 5B
⇒ 2L = 5B − 2B
⇒ 2L = 3B
∴ L = (3/2)B .........(1)
Also given that,
Area = L × B = 216
∴ L × B = 216 ......... (2)
Substitute L from equation (1) into equation (2). Then we get,
⇒ (3/2)B × B = 216
⇒ (3/2)B2 = 216
⇒ B2 = 216 × (2/3)
⇒ B2 = 144 = 122
∴ B = 12 cm
Now find length, L = (3/2) × 12 = 18 cm
So, the length of the rectangle is 18 cm.