We use the equations: 2L + 2W = 24 (or L + W = 12) and LW = 27; where L is the length and W is the width. We solve for L in terms of W: L = 27/W. We now use the value of L to the 2nd equation: (27/L) + L = 12 --> 27 + L^2 = 12L --> L^2 - 12L + 27 = 0 --> (L - 3)(L - 9) = 0 --> L = 3, 9. Since Length is usually longer, we use 9 ft for L: W = 27/9 = 3. 3 ft × 9 ft.
