Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 50 m
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Perimeter of a rectangle determines fencing length; cost per meter allows us to reverse-calculate the perimeter and then the side lengths using the given ratio. Finally, compute the difference of the two sides.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Perimeter P = total cost / rate. With L = 5x, B = 3x ⇒ P = 2(L + B) = 2(8x) = 16x. Solve x from P, then compute L − B.
Step-by-Step Solution:
P = 3,000 / 7.50 = 400 m16x = 400 ⇒ x = 25L = 5x = 125 m; B = 3x = 75 mDifference = 125 − 75 = 50 m
Verification / Alternative check:
P = 2(125 + 75) = 400; cost = 400 * 7.50 = 3,000 ✔
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
100, 150, 200 m are multiples of x but not equal to L − B; 25 m is half the correct difference.
Common Pitfalls:
Using L:B = 5:3 but computing 2(5x + 3x) incorrectly; or using area instead of perimeter.
Final Answer:
50 m
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