Understanding the Dimensions of the Table

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 90 views

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the concept of perimeter and how to calculate it for a rectangular coffee table. The perimeter of a shape is the total distance around its edges. In the case of a rectangular table, we need to find the sum of the lengths of all four sides. We will use algebraic expressions to represent the dimensions of the table and then calculate the total perimeter.

Understanding the Dimensions of the Table

The dimensions of the rectangular table are given as:

Length: $2x^2 - 16$ feet
Width: $-x^2 + 4x + 1$ feet

To find the perimeter, we need to add up the lengths of all four sides. Since the table is rectangular, opposite sides are equal in length. Therefore, we can find the perimeter by adding the lengths of two pairs of opposite sides.

Calculating the Perimeter

The perimeter of a rectangle is given by the formula:

P = 2(l + w)

where P is the perimeter, l is the length, and w is the width.

In this case, we have:

l = $2x^2 - 16$ w = $-x^2 + 4x + 1$

Substituting these values into the formula, we get:

P = 2((2x^2 - 16) + (-x^2 + 4x + 1))

To simplify this expression, we can combine like terms:

P = 2(2x^2 - x^2 + 4x - 16 + 1) P = 2(x^2 + 4x - 15)

Simplifying the Expression

We can simplify the expression further by combining the constants:

P = 2(x^2 + 4x - 15) P = 2x^2 + 8x - 30

Therefore, the expression that represents the total perimeter of the table is:

2x^2 + 8x - 30

Conclusion

In this article, we calculated the perimeter of a rectangular coffee table using algebraic expressions. We found that the perimeter is represented by the expression 2x^2 + 8x - 30. This expression takes into account the dimensions of the table, which are given as 2x^2 - 16 feet and -x^2 + 4x + 1 feet.

Key Takeaways

The perimeter of a rectangle is given by the formula P = 2(l + w).
To find the perimeter of a rectangular table, we need to add up the lengths of all four sides.
The expression 2x^2 + 8x - 30 represents the total perimeter of the table.

Further Exploration

What if the dimensions of the table were different? How would the perimeter change?
Can you find the perimeter of a square table using the same method?
How does the perimeter of a rectangle change when the length and width are changed?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Calculating the Perimeter of a Rectangular Coffee Table =============================================================================================

Q: What is the perimeter of a rectangle?

A: The perimeter of a rectangle is the total distance around its edges. It is calculated by adding up the lengths of all four sides.

Q: How do I calculate the perimeter of a rectangular coffee table?

A: To calculate the perimeter of a rectangular coffee table, you need to add up the lengths of all four sides. Since opposite sides are equal in length, you can find the perimeter by adding the lengths of two pairs of opposite sides.

Q: What formula do I use to calculate the perimeter of a rectangle?

A: The formula to calculate the perimeter of a rectangle is:

P = 2(l + w)

where P is the perimeter, l is the length, and w is the width.

Q: How do I simplify the expression for the perimeter?

A: To simplify the expression for the perimeter, you can combine like terms. For example, if you have:

P = 2((2x^2 - 16) + (-x^2 + 4x + 1))

You can combine like terms to get:

P = 2(2x^2 - x^2 + 4x - 16 + 1) P = 2(x^2 + 4x - 15)

Q: What if the dimensions of the table are not given as algebraic expressions? How do I calculate the perimeter?

A: If the dimensions of the table are not given as algebraic expressions, you can still calculate the perimeter by adding up the lengths of all four sides. For example, if the length is 5 feet and the width is 3 feet, the perimeter would be:

P = 2(5 + 3) P = 2(8) P = 16 feet

Q: Can I use the same method to calculate the perimeter of a square table?

A: Yes, you can use the same method to calculate the perimeter of a square table. Since a square has equal sides, you can find the perimeter by multiplying the length of one side by 4.

Q: How does the perimeter of a rectangle change when the length and width are changed?

A: The perimeter of a rectangle changes when the length and width are changed. If the length is increased, the perimeter will also increase. If the width is increased, the perimeter will also increase. However, if the length and width are changed in opposite ways (e.g., the length is increased and the width is decreased), the perimeter may not change.

Q: What if I have a table with a non-rectangular shape? How do I calculate the perimeter?

A: If you have a table with a non-rectangular shape, you will need to use a different method to calculate the perimeter. This may involve breaking down the shape into smaller, more manageable parts, or using a different formula or technique.

Q: Can I use a calculator to calculate the perimeter of a rectangular coffee table?

A: Yes, you can use a calculator to calculate the perimeter of a rectangular coffee table. Simply enter the values for the length and width, and the calculator will give you the perimeter.

Q: What if I make a mistake when calculating the perimeter? How do I correct it?

A: If you make a mistake when calculating the perimeter, you can correct it by re-checking your work and making sure that you have added up the lengths of all four sides correctly. You can also use a calculator to double-check your answer.