1. **State the problem:** Calculate the perimeter of a polygon with sides measuring 5 in., 3 in., 3 in., 5 in., 6 in., and 9 in. 2. **Formula:** The perimeter $P$ of a polygon is the sum of the lengths of all its sides: $$P = \text{side}_1 + \text{side}_2 + \text{side}_3 + \cdots + \text{side}_n$$ 3. **Apply the formula:** $$P = 5 + 3 + 3 + 5 + 6 + 9$$ 4. **Calculate step-by-step:** $$5 + 3 = 8$$ $$8 + 3 = 11$$ $$11 + 5 = 16$$ $$16 + 6 = 22$$ $$22 + 9 = 31$$ 5. **Final answer:** The perimeter of the polygon is $31$ inches.