Question 366547
the perimeter of a rectangle is 41 inches and its area is 91 square inches. find the length of its shortest side.

Let x & y represent the dimensions of the rectangle

2x + 2y = 41
    xy  = 91
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Substitute y = 91/x in  1st equation
2x + 2(91/x) = 41
Multiply both sides by x
2x^2+182+-41x = 0

Solve for x by factoring
(2x-13)(x-14)

2x-13=0
    x = 6.5

The shortest side of the rectangle is 6.5 inches