SOLUTION: the square has 2 inches added to its length and 1 inch added to its width, creating an area of 42 inches , find the length of the of the original square

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Question 1064855: the square has 2 inches added to its length and 1 inch added to its width, creating an area of 42 inches , find the length of the of the original square

Found 2 solutions by ikleyn, math_helper:
Answer by ikleyn(52784) About Me  (Show Source):
Answer by math_helper(2461) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Length of each side = x
{{[ (x+2)(x+1) = 42 }}}
+x%5E2+%2B+3x+%2B+2+=+42+
+x%5E2+%2B+3x+-+40+=+0+
++%28x-5%29%28x%2B8%29+=+0+
x = 5 or x = -8 (discard -8 b/c length must be > 0)
If x = 5, (x+2)(x+1) = (7)(6) = 42 (ok)
Ans: x=highlight%285%29in
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Also, area of a square is always in (unit)^2: e.g. in%5E2 not inches.