let L be length, W be width
(L-4)=(W+5)
(L-4)(W+5)=LW+40
simplify the first equation: L-W=5
simplify the second equation: (L-4)(W+5)=LW+40
LW-4W+5L-20=LW+40 =>5L-4W=60
solve this system of equations: L-W=9
5L-4W=60
you get W=15, L=24, so the area is 24*15=360
#3:
(L-3)(W+5)=LW-8
2L=2W=30
W=68/8=8.5, L=52/8=6.5, LW=55.25