Question 1102143
continuing Stan's work before he erred.
*[illustration cut_out_box.jpg]
Volume = length * width * height
216 = (w-1)*(w-4)*w
height =2
216 = (w-1)*(w-4)*2
108=(w-1)*(w-4)
108=w^2-5w+4
0=w^2-5w-104
factor 
(w+8)*(w-13)=0
Taking only the positive solution 
original w=13 inches
cardboard that is 3 in. longer than it is wide
original length=w+3=16 inches