Are you sure you want the length to be smaller than the width? It's not exactly the way they're defined. I'll solve it that way, but it's an odd question.
Equations P = 2L + 2W Area = L*W
Substitution and Solve 2L + 2W = 36 L*W = 56
Divide the first equation by 2 L + W = 36/2 L + W = 18 Solve for L L = 18 - W
Put this result in the second equation W(18 - W) = 56 Remove the brackets 18W - W^2 = 56 Transfer the Left Side to the Right. 0 = W^2 - 18W + 56 Factor 0 = (W - 14)(W - 4)
W - 14 = 0 W = 14 <<<<<Answer W - 4 = 0 W = 4
Comment Both 14 and 4 are in cm W = 14 cm <<<< answer L = 4 <<<<< answer