SOLUTION: If the sides of a square are decreased by 2cm, the area is decreased by 36 cm^2. What were the dimensions of the original square? Thank you

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: If the sides of a square are decreased by 2cm, the area is decreased by 36 cm^2. What were the dimensions of the original square? Thank you      Log On


   

Question 90112: If the sides of a square are decreased by 2cm, the area is decreased by 36 cm^2. What were the dimensions of the original square?

Thank you
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
let s equal the original side length ... (s-2)^2=s^2-36 ... s^2-4s+4=s^2-36 ... -4s=-40 ... s=10