If the width is w and the length is l, then 2w-2=l and 2w+2l=72 (using the perimeter equation). Plugging 2w-2 in for l, we get 2w+(2w-2)*2=72 and 6w-4=72. Adding 4 to both sides, we get 6w=76. After that, we divide both sides by 6 to get 74/6=w. Since l=2w-2=136/6, we get (136/6)(74/6)=656.75=area
