SOLUTION: If the sides of a square are decreased by 2cm, the area is decreased by 36cm^2(1296cm). What were the dimensions of the original square?

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Geometry -> SOLUTION: If the sides of a square are decreased by 2cm, the area is decreased by 36cm^2(1296cm). What were the dimensions of the original square?      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com
Ad: Algebrator™ solves your algebra problems and provides step-by-step explanations!
Ad: Algebra Solved!™: algebra software solves algebra homework problems with step-by-step help!

   

Question 44129This question is from textbook beginning algebra
: If the sides of a square are decreased by 2cm, the area is decreased by 36cm^2(1296cm). What were the dimensions of the original square?This question is from textbook beginning algebra

Answer by adamchapman(301) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let the original side length be called x..
the original area is equal to x%5E2
The new side length is (x-2)
The new area is (x-2)^2
the change in area is the original area - the new area:
36=x%5E2-%28x-2%29%5E2
36=x%5E2-%28x%5E2-4x%2B4%29
36=4x-4
4x=40
x=10
so the originale sqares dimensions where 4cm by 4 cm.
I hope this helps
P.S. I am trying to start up my own homework help website. I would be extremely grateful if you would e-mail me some feedback on the help you received to adam.chapman@student.manchester.ac.uk