To find the shorter side of the parallelogram, we can use the formula for the perimeter of a parallelogram:
\[ P = 2(l + w) \]
where \( l \) is the length of the longer side and \( w \) is the length of the shorter side. Given that the perimeter \( P \) is 36 yards, we can set up the equation:
\[ 36 = 2(l + w) \]
Dividing both sides by 2 gives:
\[ 18 = l + w \]
Now, we need to express the lengths in terms of one side. If we assume the longer side is \( l \) and the shorter side is \( w \), we can express \( l \) as:
\[ l = 18 - w \]
To find the exact lengths, we need additional information or context about the specific dimensions or if there's a clear relationship between \( l \) and \( w \). However, if the options provided are 12 yards, 16 yards, 6 yards, and 3 yards, we can check these values.
If \( w = 6 \):
\[ l = 18 - 6 = 12 \]
Thus, one possible pair could be \( l = 12 \) and \( w = 6 \).
If \( w = 12 \):
\[ l = 18 - 12 = 6 \]
This gives another potential pair of \( l = 12 \) and \( w = 6 \).
Given the options, the shorter side of the parallelogram is:
6 yards.