Question 14 ( 5 points) \( \checkmark \) Saved \( \begin{array}{l}\text { The plans for a rectangular deck call for the width to be } 10 \text { feet less than the } \\ \text { Sam wants the deck to have an overall perimeter of } 60 \text { feet. What should the } \\ \text { of the deck be? }\end{array} \)

To determine the dimensions of the deck, we can set up some equations. Let's denote the width of the deck as \( w \) feet. According to the problem, the length \( l \) of the deck is \( w + 10 \) feet since it needs to be 10 feet more than the width. The formula for the perimeter \( P \) of a rectangle is given by: \[ P = 2l + 2w \] Substituting in the perimeter value of 60 feet, we have: \[ 60 = 2(w + 10) + 2w \] Simplifying this equation: \[ 60 = 2w + 20 + 2w \] \[ 60 = 4w + 20 \] \[ 40 = 4w \] \[ w = 10 \] Now we can find the length: \[ l = w + 10 = 10 + 10 = 20 \] Thus, the dimensions of the deck should be 10 feet wide and 20 feet long! If you’re ever in a brainstorming session about deck designs, remember that proportionality is key! Building a great outdoor space is all about finding the right spacing to make it functional and aesthetically pleasing. Always sketch out your ideas before diving into the build to avoid any costly mistakes! When planning your deck or any project, be cautious about the edges and spaces. Many people forget about the space needed for things like railings or furniture, which can shrink your usable area significantly. Always account for these extra elements when calculating final dimensions!