SOLUTION: each side of square is lengthened by 2inches. the are of the new, larger square is 36inches. find the length of a side of the original square.

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: each side of square is lengthened by 2inches. the are of the new, larger square is 36inches. find the length of a side of the original square.      Log On


   

Question 633483: each side of square is lengthened by 2inches. the are of the new, larger square is 36inches. find the length of a side of the original square.
Found 2 solutions by ewatrrr, graphmatics:
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
 

Hi,

each sidehighlight%28s%29 of square is lengthened by 2inches

Area of New Square = (s+2)^2 = 36

 s^2 +4x + 4 = 36

 s^2 + 4x - 32 = 0

(s+8)(s -4) = 0

      s = 4in  (throwing out negative solution for unit measure



and...

%286in%29%5E2+=+36+in%5E2

Answer by graphmatics(170) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x be the length of sides of the original square. For the new square we have
(x+2)(x+2)=36
x^2+4x-32=0
(x-4)(x+8)=0
x-4=0, x+8=0
x=4, x=-8
x=4 is the length of sides of the original square.