From the given equation in the problem we can deduce that

X=(2Y)/(Y-2)                                            (1)

so we know that

X=[2(Y-2)+4] / (Y-2)=2+4/(Y-2)

Since X must be an integer value 4/(Y-2) must be integer. Therefore Y>2.
Y could  be 6,4 or 3.
Rectangle with  sides 3 and 6 or square with side of 4 satisfy the problem condition (1).  The second condition of the problem excludes the latter option.  So the final answer for the smallest side of the rectangle is 3.

 

Back To Algebra