document.write( "Question 163887: If the sides of a square are lengthened by 6cm the area becomes 169cm^2. Find the length of a side of the original square?
\n" ); document.write( "I do so have a tough time deciphering word problems, and need some help please.
\n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #120726 by josmiceli(19441)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let \"x\"= the side of the original square in cm
\n" ); document.write( "The problem says
\n" ); document.write( "\"%28x+%2B+6%29%2A%28x+%2B+6%29+=+169\" cm2
\n" ); document.write( "or
\n" ); document.write( "\"%28x+%2B+6%29%5E2+=+169\"
\n" ); document.write( "Take the square root of both sides
\n" ); document.write( "\"x+%2B+6+=+13\"
\n" ); document.write( "\"x+=+7\"
\n" ); document.write( "The side of the original square is 7 cm
\n" ); document.write( "check:
\n" ); document.write( "\"%28x+%2B+6%29%2A%28x+%2B+6%29+=+169\" cm2
\n" ); document.write( "\"%287+%2B+6%29%2A%287+%2B+6%29+=+169\" cm2
\n" ); document.write( "\"13%2A13+=+169\"
\n" ); document.write( "\"169+=+169\"
\n" ); document.write( "OK
\n" ); document.write( "
\n" );