ACT (Enhanced)MathematicsEasy
A landscape architect is designing a rectangular garden plot. The length of the plot is 12 feet and the width is 8 feet. If a fence is to be built around the entire perimeter of the garden, how many feet of fencing will be needed?
- A96 feet
- B32 feet
- C40 feet
- D20 feet
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 40 feet
The perimeter of a rectangle is calculated by the formula P = 2(length + width). Given a length of 12 feet and a width of 8 feet, P = 2(12 + 8) = 2(20) = 40 feet.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is the area of the rectangle, not the perimeter.
- B. This is a plausible distractor, perhaps from an error like 2*length + width or 2*width + length.
- D. This is simply the sum of length and width, not the perimeter.
Perimeter of a Rectangle
The perimeter of a rectangle is the total distance around its boundary, calculated by adding the lengths of all four sides.
- Formula: P = 2(length + width) or P = 2l + 2w.
- Units are linear (e.g., feet, meters).
- Represents the 'outline' or 'fence' of the shape.
Memory trick: Perimeter: two lengths, two widths, add 'em all.