SOLUTION: the side of a square were extended to form a rectangle 8cm longer and 3cm wider than the square. the area of the rectangle is 204 cm^2. what was the area of the original square?

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: the side of a square were extended to form a rectangle 8cm longer and 3cm wider than the square. the area of the rectangle is 204 cm^2. what was the area of the original square?      Log On


   

Question 822071: the side of a square were extended to form a rectangle 8cm longer and 3cm wider than the square. the area of the rectangle is 204 cm^2. what was the area of the original square?
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Original square was x length of side.
%28x%2B8%29%28x%2B3%29=204
x%5E2%2B11x%2B24-204=0
x%5E2%2B11x-180=0
%28x-9%29%28x%2B20%29=0

highlight_green%28x=9%29 or highlight_green%28x=-20%29.
One of these makes sense but not the other;
highlight%28x=9%29.