document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=99424>Question 99424</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> Please help. I've been working on trying to solve by setting up a polynomial expression, but having trouble with this one. \r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "If the sides of a square are decreased by 2 cm, the area is decreased by 36 cm^2. What were the dimensions of the original square?\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Thanks in advance. </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #72329 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=edjones><B>edjones(8007)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-13.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=edjones><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/cgi-bin/show-face.mpl?user=edjones><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=72329\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> let x=length of original side.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "A=s^2<BR>\n" );
document.write( "new square area=old square area-36<BR>\n" );
document.write( "(x-2)^2=x^2-36<BR>\n" );
document.write( "x^2-4x+4=x^2-36<BR>\n" );
document.write( "subtract x^2 and 4 from both sides: -4x=-40<BR>\n" );
document.write( "divide -4 into each side: x=10 Ans.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Check:<BR>\n" );
document.write( "10^2=100<BR>\n" );
document.write( "8^2=64<BR>\n" );
document.write( "100-64=36<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Ed<BR>\n" );
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