We have learned that you can find a rectangle's area by multiplying the figure's length and width.  We can also solve the perimeter of a figure by finding the sum of the side lengths.

Today, we will learn how to use area and perimeter formulas to solve real-world problems involving area and perimeter.

Bogan Park has a rectangular batting cage that is 72 square yards in area and 4 yards wide. If the park wants to replace the chain-link fence around the sides of the batting cage, how many yards of fencing will it need?

I know that the chain link fence will go around the outside edge of the batting cage, so I will need to find the perimeter of the batting cage.

There are many ways to find the perimeter of a rectangular figure, and I can find the sum of all the side lengths.  I can also multiply the length by 2 and the width by 2 and add the products, or I can add the length and the width and then multiply the sum by 2.

l + w + l + w = perimeter

2l + 2w = perimeter

2(l x w) = perimeter

In this scenario, I am given the width of 4 yards but not the length. I also know the total area is 72 square yards.

To find the perimeter, I need to find the missing side length. I can use the area formula Area = length x width (A = L x W) to help me find the unknown length of the batting cage.

From the problem, I know the area is 72 square yards, and the width is 4 yards. My unknown value is the length, which is also the unknown factor of the equation. So, I can create the equation 72 = L x 4.

Division is the inverse operation of multiplication, so I can find the unknown factor by solving 72 / 4 = L.  I will use partial quotients to find the unknown length.