let the width be called x inches, so the length is x+9 inches (width is 9in shorter than length) and x>0
So the area = w*l = x(x+9)
=> x^2+9x=252
=> x^2+9x-252=0
=> x^2 - 12x + 21x - 252 = 0
=>x(x-12) + 21(x-12) = 0
=> (x-12)(x+21)=0
=> x = 12 or -21
but x>0
=> x = 12 in
=> width = 12 in
=> length = 12+9 = 21 inches
brainliest pls
