If multiple choice and if the answers are numbers, then plug in answers and see which work. Remember the formula for area of a rectangle is LW=A and for Perimeter is 2L + 2W = P.
If it's not multiple choice then solve the second equation for L in terms of W, plug it into the first equation, and solve for W.
2L = 46-2W thus L = 23-W
(23-W)W = 76 thus
Use the quadratic equation or the guess and check to find that quadratic factors to (W-19)(W-4) so W=19, 4.
L= 4 or L =19.
Since the question asks for the length of the shorter sides, the answer is 4.
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