Question 677301
set up a system of equations
x=width
y=length


x+y=54
xy=72


x+y=54
x=72/y

substitute...

72/y+y=54

multiply both sides by y to remove denominator

72+y^2=54y

y^2-54y+72=0

now use any method of your choice to solve for y (length)... factor, quadratic equation, complete the square. Plug your answer back into the original equation to solve for x