document.write( "Question 178754: Question 1) A square flower bed in Michelle's garden is to be enlarged by adding 3 feet on each side. If the larger square has an area of 169 square feet, what is the length of the original square? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #133735 by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740)\"\" \"About 
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A square flower bed in Michelle's garden is to be enlarged by adding 3 feet on
\n" ); document.write( " each side. If the larger square has an area of 169 square feet, what is the
\n" ); document.write( " length of the original square?
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\n" ); document.write( "Let s = length of the side of the original square
\n" ); document.write( "then
\n" ); document.write( "(s+6) = length of the enlarged square when 3' is added to each side
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\n" ); document.write( "Area of new square given as 169 sq/ft
\n" ); document.write( "(s+6)^2 = 169
\n" ); document.write( "FOIL
\n" ); document.write( "s^2 + 12s + 36 = 169
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\n" ); document.write( "s^2 + 12s + 36 - 169 = 0
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\n" ); document.write( "s^2 + 12s - 133 = 0
\n" ); document.write( "Factor this to
\n" ); document.write( "(s-7)(s+19) = 0
\n" ); document.write( "Positive solution
\n" ); document.write( "s = 7' is the side of the original square
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\n" ); document.write( "Check solution:
\n" ); document.write( "(7+6)^2 = new area
\n" ); document.write( "13^2 = 169
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