Hi,

Thank you for using JustAnswer.

Here is the solution:

Let L represent the length of the piece of steel, and let W represent the width.

Since the length is 5 meters less than triple the width, we can write the following equation:

L = 3W - 5

The perimeter of the rectangle is equal to:

P = 2L + 2W

Since the perimeter is equal to 54 meters, we can write the following equation:

2L + 2W = 54

Using the first equation to substitute for L in the above equation gives:

2(3W - 5) + 2W = 54

6W - 10 + 2W = 54

8W - 10 + 10 = 54 + 10

8W = 64

W = 64/8

W = 8 meters


The length is then equal to 3W - 5 = 3(8) - 5 = 19 meters.

(As a check, the perimeter is 2(19) + 2(8) = 38 + 16 = 54.)


Solution:

Length = 19 meters

Width = 8 meters


Please feel free to ask if you have any questions about this solution.

Thanks,

Ryan