<PRE><B>Question 211405</B>
Let w= width
L = length


Perimeter:  2W + 2L = 54


Divide this by 2:  w+ L = 27

Solve for w:  W = 27 - L


Now, Area = L*W

L*W = 180


Substitute W = 27-L to get an equation in one variable:
L * (27-L) = 180

27L - L^2 = 180


This is a quadratic equation, so set it equal to zero.  I recommend you move everything to the right side to avoid the negative L^2 coefficient:
0 = L^2 - 27 - 180


Now,since this seems to be a take home problem that is DUE in Tuesday morning, YOU solve the equation!!


R^2</PRE>