SOLUTION: i have a story problem i am trying to figure out. I think the equation is going to be a^2+b^2=c^2 but im not quite sure the problem reads: The length of each side of a square is 3

Question 649483: i have a story problem i am trying to figure out. I think the equation is going to be a^2+b^2=c^2 but im not quite sure the problem reads:
The length of each side of a square is 3 inches more than the length of each side of a smaller square. The sum of the areas of the squares is 149 in2. Find the lengths of the sides of the two squares. (define the variable, write an equation, solve and label)
so far i have x^2+(x+6)^2=149 then i factored it out and came to 2x^2+12x-113=0 and from there im not sure what to do can you help.
Answer by MathTherapy(10552) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

i have a story problem i am trying to figure out. I think the equation is going to be a^2+b^2=c^2 but im not quite sure the problem reads:
The length of each side of a square is 3 inches more than the length of each side of a smaller square. The sum of the areas of the squares is 149 in2. Find the lengths of the sides of the two squares. (define the variable, write an equation, solve and label)
so far i have x^2+(x+6)^2=149 then i factored it out and came to 2x^2+12x-113=0 and from there im not sure what to do can you help.

(x + 6)? Where did this come from?

Let length of one side of smaller square be S
Then one side of larger square = S + 3
Areas of smaller and larger squares = and , respectively
Since their areas sum to 149 sq in., then:

(S - 7)(S + 10) = 0

S � 7 = 0 OR S = - 10 (ignore)
S, or length of one side of smaller square = inches
Length of one side of larger square = 7 + 3, or inches

I'll leave the check up to you!

Send comments and �thank-yous� to �D� at MathMadEzy@aol.com
RELATED QUESTIONS
I have been trying to figure out how to solve the system 4x + 3y = 11 3x - 2y= 4. I... (answered by elima)

I have an algebra II quiz on complex numbers and im not sure if i understand any of... (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)

I am trying to figure out a question that has 2 parts. The question is as follows: A) (answered by stanbon)

I am trying to figure out a question that has 2 parts. The question is as follows: A) (answered by Theo)

A student is asked to solve b^2+b^2=c^2 for a and gives the following solution. Assume... (answered by Alan3354,Edwin McCravy)

I have been trying to figure out the answer for 6(5g + 2) = 30g I used the distributive... (answered by oscargut)

This is actually solving a problem that is quadratic in form. I am having lots of... (answered by Earlsdon)

So, I am trying to figure out an equation and I've come to a point where I'm supposed to... (answered by MathLover1)

Hi, I keep trying to figure out where I am going wrong in this equation but I cannot.... (answered by Edwin McCravy)