Answer:
8 ft
Step-by-step explanation:
let width = x
then length= x+2
Area = l(w)
    =x(x+2)
168 Â = x^2 + 2x
x^2 + 2x-168=0
Using quadratic formula we get roots :
x= 12, x=-14
x= 12 (as width cannot be in negative)
then length= x+2 = 14
length of rug= length of floor - 4
           = 14- 4
          = 10
width of rug= width of floor- 4
          = 12-4
          = 8
Hence the length (the shorter side) of the rug be 8 feet !