SOLUTION: Hello I am not sure how to go about this. If the sides of a square are decreased by 3cm, the area is decreased by 81cm^2. What were the dimensions of the original square. I am thin

Question 92180: Hello I am not sure how to go about this. If the sides of a square are decreased by 3cm, the area is decreased by 81cm^2. What were the dimensions of the original square. I am thinking (x-3)^2=a-81cm^3, but where do I go from here?
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Well, your initial idea is right on!
Where A = original area and x = the original length of the side of the square.
The next step is to recall that , that is; the original area (A) is equal to the original sides squared , so substitute the A with in the first equation then solve for x.
Expand the left side.
Subtract from both sides.
Subtract 9 from both sides.
Finally, divide both sides by -6.
cm.
Check:

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