Stage one: visualize

If you are having trouble visualizing this, draw a picture of a rectangle. Now draw a larger rectangle around it. The space between the edge of the small rectangle and the large is the frame. The perimeter is going to be the measurement around the outside of the frame.

Stage two…setting up

The width of the certificate started at 8 inches, but you’ve added 1 and 1/2 inches for the frame…on both sides. So it’s now….?

The height of the certificate started at 10 inches, but you’ve added 1 and 1/2 inches for the frame…on both sides. So it’s now….?

The perimeter of the big rectangle (the outside of the frame) is two widths plus two heights (of the outside of the frame).

Stage 3: Solution

8+1 1/2+ 1 1/2=11 inches

10+1 1/2+ 1 1/2=13 inches

11+11+13+13=48 inches.

8+1.5=9.5

10+1.5=11.5

add all the sides twice

9.5+9.5+11.5+11.5=42

42in outside edge