Perimeter Word Problems for Squares and Rectangles (Grade 4)

📚 What is Perimeter?

Perimeter is the total distance around the outside of a shape. Imagine you're building a fence around a garden; the amount of fencing you need is the perimeter of the garden. For squares and rectangles, it's the sum of all their sides.

📜 A Little Bit of History

The concept of perimeter has been around since ancient times! Early civilizations needed to measure land for farming and building. The word 'perimeter' comes from the Greek words 'peri' (around) and 'metron' (measure). Measuring distances and shapes has always been a crucial part of human life.

📐 Key Principles for Squares and Rectangles

• 📏 Squares: All four sides are equal in length. If one side is 's', then the perimeter is $P = 4s$.
• ➕ Rectangles: Two pairs of sides are equal in length. If the length is 'l' and the width is 'w', then the perimeter is $P = 2l + 2w$.
• 💡 Units: Always remember to include the correct units in your answer (e.g., cm, m, in, ft).
• 📝 Word Problems: Read the problem carefully to identify the length and width (or the side length for squares).

🌍 Real-World Examples

Example 1: The Garden Fence

A rectangular garden is 10 meters long and 5 meters wide. How much fencing is needed to enclose the garden?

Solution:

Length (l) = 10 meters

Width (w) = 5 meters

Perimeter (P) = $2l + 2w = 2(10) + 2(5) = 20 + 10 = 30$ meters

Answer: 30 meters of fencing is needed.

Example 2: The Square Picture Frame

A square picture frame has sides of 8 inches. What is the perimeter of the frame?

Solution:

Side (s) = 8 inches

Perimeter (P) = $4s = 4(8) = 32$ inches

Answer: The perimeter of the frame is 32 inches.

Example 3: The Soccer Field

A soccer field is 100 meters long and 60 meters wide. How much tape is needed to mark the perimeter of the field?

Solution:

Length (l) = 100 meters

Width (w) = 60 meters

Perimeter (P) = $2l + 2w = 2(100) + 2(60) = 200 + 120 = 320$ metersAnswer: 320 meters of tape is needed.

✍️ Practice Quiz

Solve these perimeter word problems:

1. 🏡 A rectangular playground is 40 feet long and 25 feet wide. What is the perimeter?
2. 🖼️ A square tile has sides of 12 centimeters. What is the perimeter?
3. 🌳 A rectangular park is 150 meters long and 80 meters wide. What is the perimeter?

Answers:

1. 130 feet
2. 48 centimeters
3. 460 meters

🔑 Conclusion

Understanding perimeter is super useful in everyday life, from building fences to framing pictures. By remembering the formulas for squares and rectangles, and by carefully reading word problems, you'll become a perimeter pro in no time! Keep practicing, and you'll master it! 👍