<PRE><B>Question 290059</B>
P = 2L + 2W, so half the perimeter is L + W


this means you are looking for two numbers that add to 13 (26/2), and multiply to 40


like, eight and five ...



the equation mechanics:


L * W = 40 ___ and ___ L + W = 13 ___ L = 13 - W


substituting ___ (13 - W) * W = 40 ___ 0 = W^2 - 13W + 40


0 = (W - 8) (W - 5)


W - 8 = 0 ___ W = 8


W - 5 = 0 ___ W = 5


so W equals 8 or 5 and L equals the other one</PRE>