How do you work ratios

In mathematics, a ratio indicates how many times one number contains another. For example, if there are eight oranges and six lemons in a bowl of fruit, then the ratio of oranges to lemons is eight to six (that is, 8∶6, which is equivalent to the ratio 4∶3). Similarly, the ratio of lemons to oranges is 6∶8 (or 3∶4) and the ratio of oranges to the total amount of fruit is 8∶14 (or 4∶7).

Explanation:

perimeter = 2l +2w, divide total perimeter by 2 for total length of 1 side and 1 width

172/2 = 86 (  total for 1 side and 1 width)

86-24 = 62 (since length is 24 ft longer subtract 24 then divide by 2 for width)

62/2 = 31

width = 31 feet

length = 31 +24 = 55 feet

check: 31*2 = 62, 55*2 = 110,  110+62 = 172