Question 58860
A rectangle is 3x as long as it is wide.  If its length and width are both decreased by 2cm, its area is decreased by 36cm2.  find its original dimensions.

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To understand word problems you normally have to draw the picture.
Draw a rectangle inside another rectangle.
The dimensions of the outer rectangle are 3x and x
It's area is 3x^2
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The dimensions of the inner rectangle are (3x-2) and (x-2)
The smaller area is (3x-2)(x-2)=3x^2-8x+4
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EQUATION:
larger area - smaller area = 36 
3x^2-(3x^2-8x+4)= 36
8x-4=36
8x=40
x=5 cm
3x=15 cm
These are the original dimensions.
Cheers,
Stan H.