Let a and b be the sides of the rectangle. Now 2*(a + b) = 78 (a + b) = 39. a^2 + b^2 = 31^2 (a + b)^2 - 2ab = 961 39^2 - 961 = 2ab (1521 - 961)/2 = ab = area of rectangle Area of rectangle = 560/2 = 280 sq cm.