The length of a rectangle is 17 centimeters less than four times its width. Its area is 42 square centimeters. Find the dimensions of the rectangle.

Let w=width and l=length.

so, we know that 4xwidth (w) - 17 = length (l)

so, 4w-17=l

we also know that area (l x w) = 42

As l=4w-17 ... w x (4w-17) = 42

Hence, 4w^2 - 17w-42=0

Be factorising this, we get (4w+7) x (w-6) = 0

So, by using null factor law, w=6 or w=-7/4

But, as width must be positive, w = 6

Now, sub w=6 into the formula we found earlier, l=4w-17

l=4 (6) - 17 = 7

Hence, Length = 7 and Width = 6