About Rectangle Perimeter Calculation

What is a Rectangle Perimeter?

The perimeter of a rectangle is the total distance around its exterior. It is calculated by summing the lengths of all four sides of the rectangle. Since opposite sides of a rectangle are equal, we can simplify this calculation.

Formula for Rectangle Perimeter

The formula to calculate the perimeter of a rectangle is:

\[P = 2(l + w)\]

Where:

• \(P\) is the perimeter of the rectangle
• \(l\) is the length of the rectangle
• \(w\) is the width of the rectangle

Calculation Steps

1. Measure or identify the length and width of the rectangle.
2. Add the length and width together.
3. Multiply the sum by 2.
4. The result is the perimeter of the rectangle.

Example

Let's calculate the perimeter of a rectangle with a length of 8 units and a width of 5 units:

1. Given: Length (\(l\)) = 8 units, Width (\(w\)) = 5 units
2. Apply the formula: \(P = 2(l + w)\)
3. Substitute the values: \(P = 2(8 + 5)\)
4. Calculate: \(P = 2(13) = 26\) units

Visual representation:

Therefore, the perimeter of the rectangle is 26 units.

Properties of Rectangle Perimeter

• The perimeter of a rectangle is always twice the sum of its length and width.
• If you know the perimeter of a rectangle and one of its dimensions, you can find the other dimension.
• The perimeter of a rectangle increases linearly with its dimensions. Doubling both length and width will double the perimeter.
• Rectangles with the same perimeter can have different areas, and vice versa.